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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Kate Devlin

Striking doctors have ‘absurd’ demands, says health secretary Wes Streeting

  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting has criticised striking doctors' "absurd" demands, accusing the British Medical Association (BMA) of not being serious about reaching a deal.
  • Streeting claims the BMA rejected the government's offer while still expecting its benefits, and failed to propose an alternative solution to the ongoing pay dispute.
  • Resident doctors in England are set to stage a six-day walkout from Tuesday morning, immediately after the Easter long weekend, which will cancel thousands of appointments and surgeries.
  • The government has withdrawn an offer of 1,000 additional training places, stating it is no longer financially viable due to the estimated £250 million cost of the industrial action.
  • This marks the 15th strike by resident doctors since March 2023, as they continue to demand a 26 per cent pay restoration to 2008 levels.

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