The BMA at its Annual Representative Meeting (ARM) in Brighton today passed a motion¹ calling on the Government to ensure preparedness for violent conflict. 

BMA treasurer Dr Peter Holden said: 

"Recent global events have underlined the importance of ensuring the UK's health system is prepared for conflicts so that both healthcare workers and patients are protected in crisis situations. The BMA, as per our 2025 report Medicine Under Attack, is also deeply concerned by the increase in attacks against healthcare in conflict zones, despite this being strictly prohibited under international law.

"The NHS currently does not have sufficient capacity to cope with day-to-day care, let alone that needed for a societal emergency. It is incredibly important that the Government's ongoing work on emergency preparedness properly develops health system preparedness and resilience, including in relation to bed numbers, staffing, estates, supply chains and the stockpiling and distribution of key equipment such as PPE and vaccines. Doctors also need to be supported with the right resources, and this includes retaining and expanding training to meet future healthcare needs amid increasing global risk.

"The BMA has convened a working group considering issues specifically related to conflict preparedness and seeking to achieve strengthened coordination between the NHS, medical royal colleges, public health, emergency services and the armed forces. With a long history of stewarding the medical profession through times of conflict, it is important the BMA again demonstrates its professional leadership and that the NHS, considered by NATO as critical national infrastructure, is resilient."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The motion as passed reads:

Motion by EAST YORKSHIRE DIVISION: That this meeting is concerned about the inadequate preparation for the care of the population at risk of violent conflicts, including the use of nuclear, biological and chemical war agents, and calls on the BMA to lobby the UK Government, relevant departments, and national resilience bodies to:- 

i), undertake a comprehensive review of the United Kingdom’s health system preparedness for violent conflicts; 

ii), develop and publish a transparent national strategy for medical response to nuclear, biological and chemical war agent threats affecting civilian populations; 

iii), ensure adequate stockpiles of relevant medical counter-measures, including antidotes, vaccines, personal protective equipment, and decontamination resources; 

iv), expand training and preparedness programmes for healthcare professionals in the recognition and management of nuclear, biological and chemical war agent-related illness and injury; 

v), strengthen co-ordination between the NHS, public health agencies, emergency services, the armed forces, and local resilience forums.

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.

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