RESET ON DOCS STRIKE

Streeting enters talks over wage rises | Health sec admits deal won't be easy

- MARTIN BAGOT

WES Streeting has begun pay talks with junior doctors which offer hope of an end to strikes that have crippled the NHS.

The British Medical Association said the meeting with the Health Secretary was a "positive first step" following industrial action which has dragged on since 2022.

Mr Streeting said: "I met face to face with the junior doctors committee today to hit the reset button on relations between the government and junior doctors.

"Patients, staff and the NHS have already paid too high a price due to strike action, and I'm optimistic we can bring this to an end. It's not going to be easy. But both sides are determined to find a way through."

The parties met at the Department of Health and Social Care headquarters in Westminster after reports Labour may have just three weeks to agree a pay deal and avert more walkouts.