Junior Doctors: Industrial Action Debate

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Department: Department of Health and Social Care

Junior Doctors: Industrial Action

Kevin Foster Excerpts
Thursday 24th March 2016

(8 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ben Gummer Portrait Ben Gummer
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I disagree with the gentleman on two points. First, we have been trying to get around the negotiating table for over three and a half years, but it requires both sides to negotiate, and I am afraid the BMA has refused to do so. When only one party is at the table, negotiations cannot continue. Secondly, it is not just bad for patients; it is also bad for doctors in terms of their careers and what they want, which is to provide the best possible care for patients. That is why I urge all doctors not to withdraw emergency cover at the end of next month.

Kevin Foster Portrait Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con)
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Does the Minister agree that whatever the dispute, the threat to withdraw emergency cover is one that nobody should condone, and will he join me in urging the BMA to withdraw the threat immediately?

Ben Gummer Portrait Ben Gummer
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I will join my hon. Friend. I only hope those on the Opposition Front Bench will also join him.