The Conservative Party has pledged to impose an NHS strike ban if it wins the next election. Leader Kemi Badenoch announced plans to legally prevent doctors from staging widespread walkouts, placing them under restrictions similar to police and military personnel.
British Medical Association (BMA) chair Dr. Tom Dolphin condemned the proposal, calling it a “desperate intervention” from a party that “failed the NHS for 15 years.” The union argues doctors’ real-term pay has dropped 20% since 2008, demanding a 26% raise to offset inflation.
Thousands of junior doctors launched a five-day strike last Friday after pay talks collapsed. While NHS England ordered hospitals to prioritize urgent care, some patients report canceled surgeries. Senior doctors are covering shifts, with 80% of non-urgent work reportedly continuing.
Defending the NHS strike ban, Badenoch accused the BMA of militancy, noting doctors received a 22% pay rise over two years “well above other groups.” She insisted the policy would “protect patients and public finances,” aligning the UK with Australia and Canada’s stricter strike laws.
Dr. Dolphin called strikes a “last resort,” stressing the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy. He highlighted existing emergency recall systems, adding, “Threatening bans isn’t the answer.”
While Conservatives cite international examples like Greece and Italy, the BMA argues these countries still allow limited strikes. Health Secretary Wes Streeting vowed to prevent “ransom” tactics, but no official disruption data has been released yet.
Some patients said their planned surgeries were postponed. The NHS strike ban debate intensifies as both sides dig in with doctors demanding fair pay and the Tories promising “common sense” patient protections.
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