LONDON — British Health Secretary Wes Streeting pleaded on December 15 for resident doctors to postpone a five-day strike set for December 17 until January, as hospitals battle a ferocious flu wave described as a “worst-case scenario” by NHS England.
The British Medical Association (BMA), representing nearly half the medical workforce, confirmed the walkout will proceed despite government pleas, marking the latest in a 2025 series over pay and conditions. “Tens of thousands of front-line doctors have come together to say ‘no’ to what is clearly too little, too late,” BMA chair Jack Fletcher declared, noting 83% rejection of the latest offer in a survey with 65% turnout among 50,000+ members.
Flu hospitalisations in England jumped over 50% in early December to 2,660 daily, the highest for this period with no peak in sight amid a severe early-season outbreak sweeping Europe. Streeting branded the timing “self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous,” urging rescheduling to safeguard patients.
The dispute stems from pay erosion since 2024; Labour’s post-election 22% rise fell short of the BMA’s 29% demand, building on a prior 5.4% increase deemed insufficient. The union remains open to talks but insists on better terms.