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Wes Streeting warns against resident doctors’ strike

Health secretary advises doctors to refrain from participating in planned strike actions.

July 24, 2025 at 08:07 PM

Resident doctors’ strike undermines union movement, says Wes Streeting

Health secretary criticizes resident doctors' decision to strike amid recent pay increase.

Wes Streeting claims resident doctors’ strike threatens union integrity

Health secretary Wes Streeting has spoken out against a planned strike by resident doctors, stating that it undermines the integrity of the trade union movement. In his article for the Guardian, Streeting highlights that the British Medical Association (BMA) encouraged strike action soon after doctors received a notable pay rise of 22% for the years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. He describes the BMA's call for a further increase of 29% in the coming years as both unreasonable and without precedent. Streeting also notes that the strike received 90% support from only about half of the voting members, raising questions about the overall representation of these actions. He accused BMA leadership of being out of touch with their own members and emphasized the potential harm to ongoing efforts to improve NHS service delivery.

Key Takeaways

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Wes Streeting asserts that the strike undermines trade union integrity.

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BMA's demand for further pay increases raises eyebrows after recent pay hikes.

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Only 55% of the BMA members voted, with 90% support for the strike.

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Streeting claims BMA leadership is out of touch with resident doctors' views.

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The strike may disrupt ongoing improvements in NHS services.

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Hospital leaders are preparing contingency plans to manage strike impacts.

"This action is unprecedented, and it is unreasonable."

Wes Streeting emphasized the unusual nature of the strike following a pay increase.

"Doctors are not worth less than they were 17 years ago."

The BMA defended their stance by arguing for the value of doctors' work amid past pay reductions.

"The BMA leadership decision will place an enormous burden on their colleagues."

Streeting warns of the negative impact on NHS recovery from the strikes.

"I urge resident doctors to defy their union."

Streeting calls for doctors to disregard BMA's strike directive for better patient care.

Streeting's comments reflect a significant tension between union leadership and their members. While the BMA argues for fair compensation based on real-term wage declines since 2008, Streeting's critique highlights a perceived disconnect in union strategies. The call for strikes is especially contentious given the recent pay raise, portraying a leadership that may be prioritizing immediate action over patient care and the welfare of the broader NHS community. As pressure mounts on doctors and hospital systems, the sustainability of union actions in light of public sentiment and leadership direction becomes more critical, marking a pivotal moment in labor relations within the healthcare sector.