UK Resident Doctors Enter Crunch Talks to Avert Five-Day NHS Strike

Resident doctors in the UK, represented by the British Medical Association's Resident Doctors Committee (RDC), are planning a five-day strike starting July 25 over pay disputes, with the government offering a 5.4% pay increase that doctors argue does not keep pace with inflation or the real value lost since 2008. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is set to meet with the RDC to negotiate and try to avert the strike, emphasizing that while the government cannot increase pay beyond recent significant rises, discussions will focus on improving working conditions. The RDC co-chairs expressed willingness to discuss all options and are hopeful for a credible offer to prevent strike action, despite Streeting's earlier remarks that he did not see the RDC as a reasonable trade union partner at this time. NHS leaders have warned there is no additional funding to cover industrial action costs, noting that previous strikes have cost the NHS an estimated £1.5 billion and led to the postponement of 1.5 million appointments and procedures. Public support for the strikes appears to be mixed, but doctors maintain the public wants fair pay and retention of doctors to ensure quality care. The talks represent a critical moment for both sides amid concerns about significant disruption to NHS services if the strike proceeds.