Health Secretary Wes Streeting has made a firm commitment to do everything within his power to prevent any industrial action in the NHS during 2026. This pledge comes as doctors in England have returned to work following a significant five-day strike.
A 'Double Whammy' of Strike Action and Flu
Mr Streeting described the combination of the five-day walkout by doctors and a surge in seasonal flu cases as the gravest challenge the health service has faced since he took up his role a year and a half ago. He labelled it a "double whammy" that posed the most serious threat to the NHS during his tenure.
"The health service has only been able to cope because of the extraordinary efforts of the dedicated staff who work in it," Streeting stated, while issuing a sobering warning: "the hardest yards are in the weeks ahead as we get the NHS through the busiest weeks of the year." He extended his gratitude to all staff who helped maintain services through an "exceptionally challenging" period.
Government Offer Rejected as BMA Demands Credible Deal
The strike was called after 83% of British Medical Association (BMA) members in England voted to reject a fresh pay proposal from the Labour government. The union has insisted the action was "entirely avoidable" and is demanding a "credible offer" to prevent further real-terms pay cuts for doctors.
The government's rejected package included several elements:
- A rapid expansion of specialist training posts.
- Coverage for out-of-pocket expenses like exam fees.
- An extension of the strike mandate to allow any walkout to be rescheduled for January.
However, it did not meet the core demand from resident doctors for a 26% salary rise over the coming years to compensate for real-terms pay erosion since 2008. This is separate from a 28.9% increase received over the past three years.
Low Public Support and a Path Forward
Public backing for the strikes appears limited. A recent YouGov poll indicated that 58% of respondents somewhat or strongly opposed the industrial action, with only 33% expressing some level of support.
During the dispute, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the strike "irresponsible", and Mr Streeting accused the BMA of a "shocking disregard for patient safety". Despite the strong rhetoric, the Health Secretary has signalled a desire for renewed dialogue. "My door remains open, as it always has done, and I'm determined to resume discussions with the BMA in the new year to put an end to these damaging cycles of disruption," he affirmed.
His overarching goal remains clear: "I do not want to see a single day of industrial action in the NHS in 2026 and will be doing everything I can to make this a reality."
