Why doctors’ strike action is becoming increasingly likely

• Talks between the Resident Doctors Committee (RDC) and Health Secretary Wes Streeting failed to resolve the ongoing pay dispute, leaving a "very small window of opportunity" to avert strikes.
• A five-day walkout by resident doctors in England is scheduled to begin on 25 July, threatening significant disruption to the NHS.
• Wes Streeting reiterated that the government cannot increase pay further after a 28.9 per cent rise, but is exploring ways to improve doctors' working lives.
• The RDC co-chairs stated that while working conditions are being considered, a pay deal remains "probably the simplest solution" and expressed readiness for further discussions.
• Previous strikes cost the NHS an estimated £1.5 billion and led to 1.5 million postponed appointments, with recent reports linking some patient deaths to the disruption.

IN FULL

Government ‘has very small window’ to prevent doctors’ strike as talks fail to reach resolution