Government response

Response to Johann Malawana's claim on junior doctors' forum

Department of Health response to incorrect claims that the Royal Colleges are being forced to condemn strike action.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 6 November 2015

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest that the government could somehow summon independent Royal Colleges to force them to support a particular position. The BMA has continually refused to negotiate and has put patients at risk by asking junior doctors to support industrial action.

As the public would expect, the Health Secretary will in the coming days be meeting with Royal Colleges and a wide range of other organisations to get independent advice about the potential impact of any industrial action.

Published 6 November 2015