Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a blistering attack on the British Medical Association (BMA), accusing the doctors' union of acting like a cartel and endangering the very future of the National Health Service.
In a hard-hitting speech delivered at the NHS Providers' annual conference in Manchester, the minister stated the Government would not be held to ransom by the trade union, criticising its ongoing industrial action.
Accusations of Disruption and Unrealistic Demands
Mr Streeting condemned the damage and disruption inflicted on the health service by the strikes, with a further five-day walkout by resident doctors scheduled to begin at 7am on Friday. He revealed that despite a significant 28.9% pay rise for resident doctors, the BMA had proceeded with strike action, a move he claimed was unprecedented in British trade union history.
The Health Secretary expressed frustration with the union's stance, stating they were effectively saying, We want more, we want it now, and we're not interested in the choices and trade-offs that you have to contend with in government.
A Wider Responsibility and Political Warning
Mr Streeting emphasised his responsibility to all 1.5 million NHS staff, many of whom he said had not received pay increases comparable to those of doctors. He also issued a stark political warning, suggesting that the BMA's actions were undermining a pro-NHS government and paving the way for alternatives like Nigel Farage's Reform party.
In a surprising revelation, he accused the BMA's own consultants and pensions committees of being some of the most effective lobbyists against paying higher tax, which would fund public services like the NHS. This, he argued, created a contradiction where the union demanded higher salaries funded by others while resisting the necessary taxation.
Defending the Right to Strike
When questioned on whether doctors should be banned from striking, similar to the police, Mr Streeting affirmed his support for the right to withdraw labour. However, he stressed that with this power comes a duty of care to patients.
He also pointed out that a majority of resident doctors did not vote for the latest strike action, based on the turnout and mandate of their ballot. The Health Secretary concluded by stating it was time for the BMA to get real about the challenges facing the public finances and every family in the country.
His speech was met with applause from the audience, which included NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey. The government's position remains firm, with Mr Streeting vowing to plough on regardless with the NHS recovery plan.
