Streeting on weekly BMA talks: 'We’re in a good place on jobs, but we are apart on pay'

Credit: PA North/Lucy North

By Claudia Tanner

The health secretary has acknowledged significant differences remain in negotiations with the British Medical Association, despite progress on jobs.

The government and the union are meeting weekly in an attempt to resolve the long-running dispute that has seen resident doctors stage 14 rounds of strikes since 2023. Whilst there is a "more constructive spirit" to discussions, fundamental disagreements over pay continue to hamper progress towards a settlement.

Speaking to Times Radio on Wednesday, Wes Streeting said: “We’ve certainly started the New Year trying to adopt a more constructive spirit with each other,” he said of negotiations with the British Medical Association.

“I met with the resident doctors last week. We’ve got a rhythm of meetings throughout the week, every week, using this period where there are no strikes to see if we can reach a deal.

“Candidly, I think we’re in a good place on jobs, but we are apart on pay, and there is still a gap.”