Striking Doctors Play into the Hands of the Right

The British Medical Association's (BMA) decision to go on strike has been met with a mixed response from the public, with 52% opposing the strikes and only 34% in support. The BMA's actions are playing into the hands of those who want to dismantle the National Health Service (NHS), including the right-wing press and politicians.

Alastair McLellan, editor of the Health Service Journal, notes that the strikes are less disruptive than previous ones, but still costly, as consultants have to be paid to fill shifts, which is typically more expensive. Jim Mackey, head of NHS England, has taken a tough stance, warning doctors that striking on compulsory training days will result in the loss of their qualification, and not allowing strikers to take up locum shifts on non-strike days to make up for lost pay.

Meanwhile, Labour's health secretary, Wes Streeting, has become increasingly indignant and offended by the BMA, which he sees as kicking a government that had been well-disposed towards it. The BMA's demands for a 29% pay rise over the next few years are

29 July 2025 13:08 By London Health News Desk