Consultant doctors in England to strike for 48 hours from 25 November

Mixed · 2Consultant doctors in England are to strike for two days, beginning on 25 November, in a dispute over pay and pensions, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced. 1 2 Mixed · 2The walkout begins at 06:59 on 25 November, and consultants will provide emergency cover only. 3 1 Right · 1The Daily Express gives the strike dates as 25 and 26 November. 2

Mixed · 2The action follows a BMA ballot earlier this year in which 76% of participating consultants backed striking; GB News adds that turnout was just over the 50% threshold. 1 4 Mixed · 2The BBC and the Guardian note that consultants were given a 3.5% pay rise this year, and the BBC says talks with the government took place over the past month. 1 3 Right · 2BMA consultants committee co-chairs Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta said the union had engaged in good faith for over 18 months but ministers had "kicked the can down the road" and "that road has now run out". 4 2

Right · 2They said pay is still a quarter down in real terms on 17 years ago, and cited workload and burnout concerns. 4 2 Right · 2The BMA said the Government has four weeks to avoid the action, and the Express says it could still be called off if agreement is reached. 4 2 Right · 1The Express says it is the first strike involving consultants in England since 2023, when they walked out between July and October. 2