Resident doctors in England to go on five-day strike in July

Resident doctors in England have announced a five-day strike starting on 25 July after voting for fresh action over pay. The medics, previously known as junior doctors, will walk out from 07:00 on 25 July until 07:00 on 30 July, urging ministers to negotiate their pay within two weeks. The British Medical Association (BMA) attempted to avoid the strike by meeting with the health secretary, but the government refused to negotiate on pay. Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the move, calling it unnecessary and unreasonable, and expressed concern for the NHS's stability.

Streeting highlighted the significant pay increase of 28.9% for medics over the past three years and questioned the strike's impact on patients and staff. He emphasized the government's willingness to collaborate to prevent strike action but criticized the doctors' decision for a five-day strike. The BMA argues that despite a 5.4% pay rise for the current financial year, wages remain about 20% lower in real terms than in 2008.

Resident doctors have engaged in multiple strikes in recent years, with this upcoming strike being a response to pay concerns. The government's stance on negotiations and the doctors' demand for fair pay have led to this planned industrial action.