British Medical Association calls government reckless over pay talks

The British Medical Association has accused the government of "reckless" behaviour ahead of the results of a strike ballot by junior doctors.

The BMA's Professor Philip Banfield said the prime minister and health secretary were refusing to enter meaningful negotiations with unions.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it had met with the BMA and other unions to discuss pay.

Professor Banfield, the BMA's chair of council, said that Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Steve Barclay were "standing on the precipice of an historic mistake".

He accused the government of "guaranteeing escalation", adding that officials were "reckless" for thinking they could stay silent and wait it out.

Professor Banfield also accused the government of "letting patients down", adding: "All NHS staff are standing up for our patients in a system that seems to have forgotten that valuing staff and their well-being is directly linked to patient safety and better outcomes of care."

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Source: BBC News, 19 February 2023