Doctors' Resolve: Renewed Strikes Loom in England

Resident doctors in England have voted to extend their mandate for industrial action, as the British Medical Association claims years of pay erosion. Despite government efforts and pay increases over the last three years, the union demands more training posts and a settlement to avoid further strikes.

Resident doctors in England have voted decisively to extend their mandate for potential industrial action over the next six months, as reported by the British Medical Association (BMA) on Monday. This extension empowers the union to continue calling strikes, intensifying an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions.

Health Minister Wes Streeting, who criticized last year's walkouts, pledged in December to prevent additional disruption by 2026. Despite a reported 28.9% pay raise over three years, the BMA argues that doctors face continued real-terms pay erosion and demand thousands of new training positions to resolve the deadlock. BMA Chair Jack Fletcher insisted that the government must engage in responsible negotiations to avert more strikes.

The BMA, representing about 55,000 resident doctors, noted that an overwhelming 93% of the 28,598 voting members supported further action. A statement from Streeting's office emphasized ongoing 'intensive and constructive' talks with the BMA, with hopes of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement to prevent future industrial action.

(With inputs from agencies.)