We'll not be held to ransom, defiant Streeting tells BMA

Wes Streeting has accused the British Medical Association (BMA) leaders of trying to “hold the country to ransom” as junior doctors began five days of strike action.

- KATE DEVLIN WHITEHALL EDITOR

The health secretary also condemned the industrial action as “reckless” and said ministers were doing everything they could to minimise patient harm. His comments came as it emerged that the hospital where one of the BMA leaders works has had to call a doctor off the picket line because of a risk to babies' lives.

The industrial action began at 7am yesterday, with BMA members manning picket lines across the country.

Mr Streeting said NHS staff had cancelled leave and some junior (now called resident) doctors were “themselves ignoring their union to be there for patients. I’m extremely grateful to all of them.” However, he said he could not guarantee there would be no disruption and no risk of harm to patients.

He said the BMA's action was “irresponsible”, adding: “They had a 28.9 per cent pay award from this government in our first year, there was also an offer to work with them on other things that affect resident doctors' working lives - and that's why I think this is such reckless action.”