Responding to today’s King’s Speech, Professor Philip Banfield, BMA council chair, said:

“It was good to hear the King committing this Government to backing the NHS and its founding principles. The pledge to reduce waiting times is one we all want to see succeed. It will rely on meaningful engagement with the medical workforce – and crucially, solving the ongoing disputes with both junior doctors and GPs in England, while ensuring that years of real-terms pay cuts are reversed for all doctors. Only then can we hope to retain them and their skills to bring down the near-record waiting lists. 

“A focus on prevention and mental health is also welcome. We’re glad to see the Labour Government following through with the crackdown on vaping and smoking, as well as taking action on junk food marketing and resultant childhood obesity that has for too long been a can kicked down the road. Changes to the mental health act are positive, but we have been promised parity for mental health before and must now see action. 

“A ban on conversion therapy practices – a damaging and unethical intervention masquerading as healthcare – is something the BMA has called for, for many years. 

“The NHS, as does the whole UK population, thrives because of the diversity of the people in it. But we know people are too often treated unfairly because of their background. A legal right to equal pay regardless of race or disability is therefore significant progress for the health service and society more widely.

“Today’s King’s Speech was all about growth and prosperity, but we must be clear that economic wealth relies on population health.

“There have been some hopeful signs that this Government recognises the importance of health in all that it does, but now it needs to back this up through engagement with those on the frontline, support, and ultimately significant investment.”

Ends

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.