Streeting Rejects Claims of Altered Resident Doctor Pay Deal Amid Strike Action

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has unequivocally stated that the government did not amend its proposed pay deal with resident doctors to halt their industrial action. Speaking to the BBC, Mr Streeting expressed his desire to engage in further negotiations with the British Medical Association's (BMA) resident doctors' committee, but claimed they had "point blank refused".

Conversely, Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA resident doctors' committee, asserted that while one or two-year settlements were initially discussed, the government "at the very last minute" insisted on a "three-year deal... with reduced investment". Dr Fletcher also confirmed the committee's "open and willing" stance to meet the Health Secretary, emphasising their good faith negotiation throughout the dispute.

Pay Dispute and Sticking Points

Mr Streeting highlighted that resident doctors had received a "28.9% pay rise within the first weeks of this Labour government", with a further deal offering an average 4.9% increase, and 7.1% for some of the lowest-paid doctors, still on the table. However, the BMA argues that despite a 33% increase over the past four years, resident doctors' pay has effectively decreased by a fifth since 2008 when adjusted for inflation.

The Health Secretary dismissed the accusation of a last-minute deal alteration, suggesting it would not be in the government's interest. He implied that the BMA may have either "didn't read the detail" or found it "more convenient to blame the government" due to the size of their committee. Mr Streeting concluded that while the door to negotiations is not shut, the BMA must acknowledge the limitations and engage in give and take.

Earlier, Mr Streeting had published a letter on X, expressing "disappointment and frustration" over the latest walkout. He noted that while "most of the deal remains on the table", the "financial and operational impact" of the strikes had prevented bringing forward 1,000 of the 4,500 extra training places this year.