Today’s announcement that next week’s industrial action will go ahead is deeply disappointing - Heidi Alexander

Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the announcement that junior doctors will go ahead with industrial action for 24 hours from 8am on Wednesday 10 February, after talks between the BMA and NHS Employers broke down, said:

“Today’s announcement that next week’s industrial action will go ahead is deeply disappointing.

“Patients, NHS staff and junior doctors all want to see an end to this dispute. However, Jeremy Hunt’s comments throughout these negotiations have left junior doctors feeling angry and demoralised.

“I am pleased that junior doctors will be covering emergency care services, but patients who see their operations and appointments cancelled next week deserve an apology from Jeremy Hunt. His actions have led to this dispute and it’s about time he took some responsibility and brought an end to the deadlock.”