The below motion was voted on by the BMA's Annual Representative meeting on Tuesday (24/06). Parts i - iii carried. Part iv did not pass. Part v carried as reference.

Motion by LOTHIAN DIVISION: That this meeting recognises that climate change 
is a public health emergency and:-

i) affirms that doctors have an ethical duty to advocate for urgent action;

ii) condemns any punitive action, including regulatory complaints or employment repercussions, against doctors who engage in non-violent climate 
activism;

iii) calls on the BMA Professional Regulation Committee to push for explicit protections within employment contracts, GMC processes, and workplace policies to ensure doctors do not face career detriment for engaging in non-violent climate advocacy;

iv) demands that the BMA provides legal and professional support to doctors 
facing disciplinary actionably, fitness-to-practise investigations, or other career 
consequences due to their non-violent climate activism;

v) calls on UK Council, and devolved national councils where appropriate, to 
lobby for a change in the law ensuring clarity of position: climate emergency 
focussed protest must be viewed as a legitimate means to an end for doctors 
and not be criminalised.

Responding, Deputy chair of BMA Scotland council Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh said: “Given that climate change is a pressing public health emergency doctors are well placed to advocate for urgent action. Doctors should have the right to engage in non-violent climate activism without fear of regulatory complaints or employment repercussions.

“It is important that doctors have explicit protections within employment contracts, GMC processes and workplace policies to ensure that they do not face any detriment to their career for engaging in nonviolence climate advocacy.”

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.