Responding to the 2026 Autumn Budget, BMA chair of council Dr Tom Dolphin said:

"For a government that claims to put the NHS at the heart of its priorities, this Budget falls worryingly short. The failure to set out meaningful action to tackle crumbling buildings or ensure we have enough doctors to meet future demand raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to the health service's long-term future.

"Winter funding buried within the Budget document is something, but the NHS faces these pressures year-round. Temporary fixes merely paper over the cracks, doing little to bring about the systemic change needed to take the service off life support.

"Just this week, consultants in England announced plans to strike over soaring workloads, repeated real-terms pay cuts and too little time to improve the NHS for patients and mentor the next generation. They, like doctors across the workforce, want to see the NHS flourish. With no significant investment in the health workforce, how does the Government intend to resolve this dispute, keep clinicians in the NHS, and build a health service that both supports staff and delivers for patients?”

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.