Starmer Slams Doctors' Strike Threat

0:00On March 31st, Prime Minister Kierstarmer is calling out resident doctors for recklessly ditching a pay deal that could push some earners past one. 100,000 pounds a year. He's given their union, the British Medical Association, just 48 hours to scrap a plan six day strike from April 7th to 13th, or the government pulls thousands of new NHS training spots. That rejected offer included up to a 7.1% rise this year, stacking with prior bums for a total of 35% over three years. First year docs straight out of med school would average 52,000 pounds annually, while top experienced ones hit 77,000, 348 in base pay, plus over time pushing averages over 100 grand. Starmer slammed the move as hypocritical, especially since the union didn't even let members vote on it. He warns it'll hurt doctors by sticking them with a basic award, slammed the NHS with 250 million pounds per strike in cover costs, and mess with patients right after Easter

1:02break. Meanwhile, the docs are pushing for 26% hike, blaming inflation from global tensions like the Iran conflict, even as they gave their own staff, just a 2.75% bump. Health Secretary Westreeding says no free rides, if they strike, those 4,000 new specialty training posts vanish. This would mark the 15th round of action since 2023, with NHS bosses prepping hospitals for a rough one, amid holidays and short, notice. Expect tight cover from consultants, but within pay limits as the standoff heats up.