The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has issued a stark warning about the potential impact of a junior doctors' strike planned for Christmas, describing the risks as significantly greater than previous industrial actions. Speaking in Parliament, Streeting expressed confusion and frustration over the British Medical Association’s (BMA) refusal to call off the strike despite an offer to extend their strike mandate into January, which would have provided more flexibility and reduced disruption.
Streeting highlighted that while the NHS managed to sustain 95% of elective care during prior strikes, this level of service cannot be guaranteed under current pressures. These pressures are exacerbated by an unprecedented surge in flu cases, with hospital admissions in England at record highs for this time of year. Flu infections are 50% higher than last year and ten times greater than in 2023, causing increased staff sickness and severe strain on hospital beds and emergency departments.
“The BMA is threatening to strike at a time when the NHS is already stretched to breaking point,” Streeting said. He warned that the strike could jeopardize patient safety, and he could not guarantee that no harm would come to patients if the action proceeds.
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Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis echoed concerns, criticizing the BMA for choosing to strike at Christmas, a period he believes could result in lives being lost. Streeting agreed, urging the BMA to reconsider their decision.
The BMA is currently polling its members online to determine whether the latest government offer—which includes legislative changes to prioritize domestic doctors for specialty training, an increase of 1,000 specialty training posts starting in 2026, and funding for mandatory exams and Royal College fees—will be accepted to call off the planned strike. Polling closes two days before the strike is due to begin.
Streeting warned that if strikes go ahead, the government will withdraw its offer to avoid incentivizing further industrial action. He acknowledged frustrations on both sides but emphasized the severity of the current situation.
Shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew called for urgent government action on the Employment Rights Bill to address strike thresholds and minimum service levels, stating that without such measures the conflict—and its impact on patients—will only worsen.