Keir Starmer Urges Resident Doctors to Cancel Strikes Amid NHS 'Super Flu' Crisis
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on resident doctors to cancel their planned strikes in light of a severe 'super flu' epidemic that is placing unprecedented strain on the NHS. Starmer emphasized that a fair deal has been proposed and is up for vote in the British Medical Association (BMA) this weekend.
The government's deal includes upcoming legislation to prioritize British medical graduates for specialty training starting next year and promises 4,000 new training places. It also covers training costs such as royal college membership and exam fees.
In addition, the government has offered to extend the BMA's mandate to reschedule strikes after Christmas if the current offer is rejected. This comes as the NHS battles increased demand: last week, an average of 2,660 flu beds were occupied daily, marking a 55% increase week-on-week.
While resident doctors' colleagues are canceling operations and Christmas leave to manage the crisis, NHS staff are working around the clock. The government noted that doctors' pay has increased by 28.9% over the past three years and highlighted record NHS investments aimed at reducing waiting times.
Starmer framed his appeal as a necessity to protect the NHS and patients by avoiding strikes during the current health emergency, urging doctors to accept the proposed deal.
