Thousands of resident doctors in England have walked out of hospitals, commencing a five-day strike in a bitter dispute over pay and working conditions. The industrial action, branded "dangerous and utterly irresponsible" by the Prime Minister, began on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, with picket lines forming at hospitals nationwide.
Government Apology Amid Winter Pressures
Health Secretary Wes Streeting issued an apology to patients for the inevitable disruption, stating the strike had come at the "worst time" for the National Health Service. He revealed that the government held last-minute talks with the British Medical Association (BMA) on Tuesday in a failed attempt to avert the walkout.
"We did everything we could to avoid the strike," Mr Streeting said, warning of significant disruption over the Christmas period. The action coincides with a severe flu crisis, with hospital admissions for flu currently more than 50% higher than at the same point last year.
Doctors' Demands and Picket Line Sentiment
The BMA, which represents the striking doctors—formerly known as junior doctors—is calling for a substantial pay increase of between 26% and 29%. Members rejected a fresh government offer just this past Monday.
Speaking from a picket line in London, Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, expressed his reluctance to strike. "I will sit down with the Health Secretary at any point to try and get a deal," he stated. "I do not want to take industrial action, I do not take this lightly."
Striking doctors highlighted their grievances with placards, including one at St Thomas' Hospital in London that read: "Why is my assistant paid more than me?"
NHS Contingency Plans and Unique Exemptions
NHS leaders have been instructed to aim for maintaining 95% of usual activity during the five-day stoppage, though officials admit this will be challenging due to winter pressures and rising flu cases. In a notable exemption, the BMA has permitted some medics at the maternity unit of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to return to work due to "unique and difficult circumstances."
The strike unfolds as the NHS grapples with its annual winter surge, with health officials working to minimise the impact on patient care. The public has been advised to expect widespread disruption to non-urgent services as the walkout continues.
