Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Health, speaking in response to the BMA decision, said:

“Given the intransigence of the Government, this decision was always likely.

"The crisis in the NHS is deepening, with closures of hospitals and key departments across the country while nearly all waiting times are rising.

"The Government is not properly funding even a 5-day NHS. A 7-day NHS is simply impossible without more resources.

"It is not too late to change course. Jeremy Hunt should stop posturing about imposing a Junior Doctors contract, scrap it, and re-enter talks.”

Ends

Notes

BMA press release announcing the decision is here https://www.bma.org.uk/collective-voice/influence/key-negotiations/terms-and-conditions/junior-doctor-contract-negotiations