Overview

• The British Medical Association is balloting resident doctors in England on six-month strike action, with voting set to close on July 7.
• The government approved an average 5.4% pay rise this month, but doctors say their real-terms pay has fallen by 23% since 2008 and are demanding full restoration.
• A YouGov poll of 4,100 adults found 48% of Britons oppose walkouts while 39% support them, reversing last summer’s majority backing.
• Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that strikes would lead to cancellations and delays and appealed directly to doctors to reject walkouts.
• The Patients Association warned of potential winter service disruptions, and BMA leaders say strikes can be avoided if pay commitments are fully honoured.