By Fatma Younis
More than half of the British public opposes the planned strike by England's senior hospital doctors, according to a new YouGov survey of 12,544 adults. The poll found 58 per cent oppose the walkout, with 36 per cent strongly opposed and 22 per cent somewhat opposed, while 31 per cent support the action.
Strike set for late November
Consultants are scheduled to walk out on 25 and 26 November in a dispute over pay and conditions. The action will force NHS hospitals in England to operate Christmas Day-style services, though emergency care will be maintained.
BMA accuses government of ignoring concerns
The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the strike this week, accusing ministers of ignoring concerns about doctors' wellbeing and workload. The union said the government's proposed 2.4 per cent pay uplift for 2027/28 amounts to a significant real-terms pay cut and shows ministers are not taking their concerns seriously.
Downing Street calls action disappointing
The prime minister's official spokesperson described the strike decision as hugely disappointing and urged the BMA to call off what they termed irresponsible action that would put greater pressure on the health service. Downing Street called for continued dialogue and acceptance of the pay offer.
Consultant leaders warn of retention crisis
Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta, co-chairs of the BMA consultants committee, said consultants are central to running NHS services, training future doctors, and ensuring patient care. They warned that solving health service pressures is impossible without valuing and retaining senior doctors, and criticised the government for pushing consultants further away from the NHS.
Dispute ongoing since May 2025
Consultants in England have been in dispute with the government since May 2025. While talks have taken place, the BMA says there have been no formal negotiations and progress has been inadequate. The Department for Health and Social Care and the BMA have been approached for comment.
