NHS Winter Update

David Evennett Excerpts

Monday 8th January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

I am sure that we all wish to welcome Sir David Evennett back to the House in rude health.

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome my right hon. Friend’s factual statement on the state of the NHS in her winter update. Will she confirm that she would return to the negotiating table immediately were the BMA to call off these very damaging strikes?

[Victoria Atkins]

I welcome my right hon. Friend back. I have said throughout this that I was extremely disappointed that the committee chose to walk away from discussions. I also think that there is a lot more to discuss apart from pay—I have made it clear that I would like to look at other aspects of their working conditions—but, unfortunately, the junior doctors committee walked out. The strike action has had a real-terms impact on patients. We need to find a fair and reasonable solution, but I will not do that while the junior doctors committee maintains strikes. It will have to come to the table with reasonable expectations and change their minds on the validity of strike action.