Resident Doctors Strike Disrupts NHS Appointments Across England

Resident doctors in England have commenced a five-day strike, marking the 12th such walkout since 2023, due to unresolved pay disputes despite recent salary increases. The NHS is striving to minimize appointment cancellations and maintain urgent care services, though some outpatient appointments and elective procedures are impacted. Four doctors at Queen's Medical Centre broke the strike to maintain safe staffing levels, highlighting tensions between hospital planning and strike actions. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called for legislation to ban doctors' strikes entirely, equating them with restrictions on police and military personnel, citing patient harm and economic consequences. Public opinion is divided, with some criticizing the doctors for seeking further pay raises despite recent increases, while others support their demands as necessary to restore pay to real terms. The Conservative Party urges an end to disruptive strikes and encourages negotiations rather than industrial action to resolve the issues.