Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the suspension of next week’s industrial action by junior doctors, said:

“Today’s decision to suspend next week’s industrial action will undoubtedly come as a relief to many patients and NHS staff.

“Nobody wanted to see industrial action take place, not least junior doctors. However, Jeremy Hunt’s dismal handling of these negotiations left many junior doctors feeling like they had no other way of getting their point across.

“The imperative now must be for Jeremy Hunt to listen to the concerns of junior doctors and reach a negotiated settlement.”