Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on Acas’s update on the junior doctors’ dispute, said:

“The announcement of an agreement between the Government and the BMA is very welcome and will come as a huge relief to anyone who cares about the NHS.

“Sir Brendan Barber, who has been chairing talks, deserves credit for the role he has played in finding a way forward.

“This dispute has gone on for far too long and caused unnecessary distress for both patients and doctors. An imposed contract would have been the wrong solution – and would have risked permanent damage to the NHS - which is why so many medical voices urged the Government to back down and return to talks.

“The priority for Ministers now must be to repair the damage this dispute has done to staff morale and start the process of rebuilding trust with the very people who keep our NHS running.”