Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a blistering attack on the British Medical Association (BMA), warning that planned pre-Christmas strikes by junior doctors are 'irresponsible' and could have catastrophic consequences for patient safety.
Talks Collapse as Strike Dates Announced
In a series of broadcast interviews, the Cabinet minister revealed that negotiations have 'completely broken down' with the union representing resident doctors in England. The BMA has announced a five-day period of industrial action from December 17 to December 22, a time when the NHS is already under severe winter pressure.
Mr Streeting expressed his frustration, stating he has 'had it' with the 'militant' union, which he branded as 'Moaning Minnies' and 'juvenile delinquents'. He argued the strikes are 'totally unnecessary', given that junior doctors have already received a 28.9 per cent pay rise over the past three years.
'A Different Order of Magnitude of Risk'
The Health Secretary emphasised that while the NHS managed to maintain 95% of planned care during previous walkouts, the timing of this action poses a far greater threat. 'Striking just before Christmas... is a different order of magnitude of risk,' he stated.
He highlighted that the NHS is 'running hot', with 999 call volumes and A&E demand last week matching levels typically seen only on New Year's Eve. Sir Jim Mackey, head of NHS England, has separately labelled the strikes 'totally reckless', accusing the BMA of timing them to 'maximise disruption of patient care' amid surging flu cases.
Last-Minute Hopes and Wider Disputes
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Mr Streeting indicated the door for talks remains slightly ajar. He noted the BMA's last letter suggested they 'want to keep open the option of calling off these strikes'. He urged the union to return to negotiations, but was adamant the government 'can't afford to go further on pay this year'.
The Secretary of State also criticised the BMA for resisting the push for online GP consultations, framing it as part of a broader pattern of uncooperative behaviour. He argued that instead of 'leaning into' the 'green shoots of recovery' he sees in the NHS since the election, the BMA is 'holding back the NHS's recovery and inflicting damage on patients'.
When pressed on the potential outcome, Mr Streeting admitted his fear was always that such action could threaten lives. He concluded that while he would prepare the NHS to withstand the strikes, his priority was to 'see off strike action' altogether in the coming days.
