Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Health, commenting on today’s industrial action by junior doctors, said:

“Today’s industrial action is deeply disappointing, particularly for the patients who have had hospital treatment delayed because of it. 

"The sad truth is that it didn’t have to come to this. Jeremy Hunt’s handling of these negotiations has been a complete and utter shambles. His comments over the past few weeks and months have caused widespread anger among junior doctors and left staff morale at rock bottom. 

"We urgently need to see a resolution to this dispute, which doesn’t involve imposing a new contract. Jeremy Hunt needs to stop hiding behind his desk in the Department of Health and get back round the negotiating table.”