Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the Government’s handling of junior doctor pay negotiations said:

“The way the Government has handled the negotiations over the junior doctor contract has caused unnecessary stress and anger amongst the very people who keep our NHS running.

"It is welcome that Jeremy Hunt has woken up to the need to be clearer about his proposals but I am worried that it may be too little, too late.

"The shared priority is for a return to negotiations. For that to happen, the Government must withdraw the threat of contract imposition so talks can resume, and industrial action can be avoided.”