Keir Starmer Urges Doctors to Accept Deal to Avert Christmas Strikes Amid Super Flu Outbreak
Keir Starmer has urged resident doctors to accept the government's deal to postpone planned strikes until after Christmas, with the aim of averting a five-day strike set to begin at 7am on 17 December 2025. The National Health Service (NHS) is currently described as facing its most precarious moment since the pandemic, as flu hospitalisations have reached record levels for this time of year amid a 'super flu' outbreak.
The British Medical Association (BMA) is set to vote on the government's offer this weekend, with the online ballot closing on Monday 15 December 2025. Should the deal be rejected, strikes would proceed for five consecutive days starting 7am on 17 December 2025.
Public support for the strikes remains low; a YouGov poll indicates that 58% of people oppose the strike action, while 33% support it. Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged doctors not to abandon patients this Christmas, describing the strikes as cynical.
The flu outbreak has also been impacting schools across the country. Closures have been reported in Cornwall and Radwinter, Essex, due to flu and other illnesses. In Caerphilly, St Martin’s School closed after over 250 pupils and staff fell ill. Congleton High School in Cheshire also closed temporarily for a deep clean. NHS data show that flu hospitalisations have increased by 55%, adding further strain on the healthcare system during this challenging period.
