Junior doctors begin first all-out strike in history of NHS

Thousands of junior doctors began the first all-out strike in the history of the NHS after the Health Secretary said the Government would not be “blackmailed” into dropping its manifesto pledge for a seven-day health service.

Jeremy Hunt appealed directly to medics not to withdraw emergency cover, which he said had particular risks for A&E departments, maternity, and intensive care.

The impasse between the Government and the British Medical Association (BMA) prompted the industrial action, from 8am to 5pm yesterday and again today.

It is the first time services such as A&E, maternity and intensive care have been affected during the dispute over a new contract.

Mr Hunt said: “It was the first page of our manifesto that we’d have a seven-day NHS... I don’t think any union has the right to blackmail the Government, to force the Government to abandon a manifesto promise that the British people have voted on.”

Despite an intense three days of letters back and forth and a phone call between Mr Hunt and the head of the BMA on Monday, no agreement on a way forward has been reached.