Streeting Denies Altering Pay Agreement for Resident Doctors
Government Stands by Its Terms Amid Ongoing Strikes
Wes Streeting, the UK’s Health Secretary, asserted to the BBC that the government had not altered its agreement with resident doctors to resolve ongoing labor disputes. He emphasized that the deal was “categorically” unchanged, though he expressed willingness to engage with the British Medical Association (BMA) committee for continued dialogue. Streeting claimed the union members had “point blank refused” the opportunity to meet, despite his offer.
“There’s a deal on the table that would have given them an average 4.9% more for this year, 7.1% for some of the lowest-paid doctors,” he stated during an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program.
BMA Challenges Government’s Position
Dr. Jack Fletcher, head of the BMA’s resident doctors’ committee, countered by stating that one- or two-year settlements were explored during negotiations. He noted that the government “insisted at the very last minute” on a three-year agreement, which included “reduced investment” in training. The current six-day strike in England is scheduled to conclude at 06:59 on Monday.
“The BMA remains open and willing to meet with the health secretary,” Fletcher added in a statement to the BBC. “We’ve negotiated in good faith, with a genuine desire to reach a resolution.”
Streeting acknowledged the challenges faced by doctors, citing a 28.9% pay increase within the first weeks of the Labour government. However, he argued that the BMA’s accusations of last-minute changes were unfounded. “Either the BMA didn’t read the detail or faced with that enormous committee, it was more convenient to blame the government,” he remarked.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to further talks: “I’m never going to shut the door to the BMA. I’m not pretending I’ve solved all of their problems in less than two years. The BMA needs to stop pretending I can, there has to be some give and take.” The interview followed the release of a letter on X, in which Streeting expressed “disappointment and frustration” over the latest walkout. He noted that “most of the deal remains on the table” but highlighted the financial strain caused by the strikes, which has prevented the addition of 1,000 training spots among 4,500 planned for the year.
