Disruption into 2026 as doctors walk out in long-running battle

HOSPITAL bosses have warned NHS operations could be cancelled well into the New Year, as doctors began a five-day strike.

- BY MARTIN BAGOT

Striking resident doctors hold up placards on the picket line outside Royal Victoria Infirmary

But medics on picket lines around the country insisted they are striking to improve care and keep medics in the NHS rather than moving abroad.

Resident doctors in England, represented by the British Medical Association, walked out after rejecting a last-minute deal to provide more jobs.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting refused to increase the headline pay rise of 5.4% for 2025/26 - well short of the BMA's demand of 26% over the next few years.