NHS: Junior Doctors’ Contract

Debate between Lord Prior of Brampton and Lord Tomlinson

Wednesday 6th July 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

One fact that has come over very loudly to me during the past year is that the whole definition of “junior doctors” is an absurd one. Many junior doctors have been in training for many years and we rely on them to deliver much of our front-line care. It is just another reason why it is so important, as other noble Lords have mentioned, that we rebuild the trust of junior doctors.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

My Lords, will the Minister reflect that there is not a great deal of merit in telling us that the Secretary of State’s door is always open if his mind remains closed?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

I do not agree with the noble Lord. There has been considerable movement on the part of the Secretary of State between the contract that was originally put to the BMA in March and the one that was agreed with the BMA in May. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the Secretary of State’s mind has been open.