BMA hits back at claims it refused to allow doctors to work in critical areas during strike

Government anger at resident doctors’ five-day strike

A five-day walkout by resident doctors in England began this morning after talks with the UK Government broke down on Tuesday. Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are on picket lines across the country demanding a 26% pay rise and better working conditions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting says he and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are “angry on behalf of patients and other NHS staff.” Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

BMA: Nobody wants to go on strike

Co-Chair of BMA Dr Melissa Ryan has said resident doctors need the Health Secretary and the government to ''negotiate properly and give an offer''. It comes as thousands of resident doctors are set to walk out from 7am on Friday for five days. The public have been urged to keep coming forward for NHS care during the walkout. GP surgeries will open as usual and urgent care and A&E will continue to be available, alongside 111, NHS England said. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Health Secretary rules out pay rise for resident doctors

Wes Streeting confirmed that resident doctors have agreed to hold “talks to avert strike action”. The health secretary said that the Government has been “clear” that it will not open negotiations about this year’s pay. It comes as the British Medical Association (BMA) announced last week that resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – in England would walk out for five consecutive days from 7am on July 25 amid an ongoing pay dispute with the Government. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn