Responding to a letter, and comments in the media this morning, from the Health Secretary about the ongoing resident doctors strike, Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of BMA's resident doctors committee, said:  

"We remain open and willing to meet with the Health Secretary and throughout this dispute have negotiated in good faith with a genuine desire to reach a resolution. Several options were discussed in the negotiating room, including one or two-year settlements. The proposed heads of terms were shared with us and rejected within hours by us. 

"The Government at the very last minute insisted that a three-year deal was the only option, with reduced investment on what was previously costed. I want to get a deal done that works for all parties, but we can’t work with an offer that both we, and our representative resident doctor committee colleagues, do not see as credible. The Health Secretary, as well as the Government negotiations team, were repeatedly warned that this offer fell short, and it was subsequently rejected. 

"We would urge the Health Secretary to recapture the early positive spirit of negotiations and work with us to end these disputes. We remain ready to work constructively and are eager to move forward."

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.