Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Strike in England Over Pay Dispute

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has condemned the British Medical Association's decision to proceed with a five-day strike by resident doctors over pay disputes, describing it as reckless and unjustified following recent significant pay rises. Despite Streeting's last-minute offers focusing on non-pay improvements such as covering exam fees, better rota notice, and career progression, the BMA insists these do not address the core issue of pay restoration to 2008 levels, demanding a 29% increase. The strike, set to begin Friday, could disrupt thousands of NHS appointments and affects up to a quarter-million patients, with hospital leaders urging to maintain elective operations where possible. Public support for the strikes has waned, with many voicing frustration over the pay demands after recent hikes, though some doctors argue their pay remains significantly eroded by inflation and that strike action is a last resort. Streeting is exploring alternative solutions like student loan repayment relief to improve doctors' finances without increasing pay this year, but the BMA remains firm on their pay restoration demands. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between government efforts to contain public sector pay and doctors' calls for fair compensation amid challenging NHS working conditions.