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Jeremy Hunt's statement to MPs on junior doctors' dispute - Politics live Jeremy Hunt's statement to MPs on junior doctors' dispute - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
2.48pm GMT
14:48
The bitterness of the dispute between Hunt and junior doctors is likely to have a marked effect on the government’s dealings with their superiors, as it prepares to negotiate a new consultant contract.
Professor John Schofield, president of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association which is the union for senior doctors said it showed a lack of respects for the entire medical profession.
It will steel consultants and other senior specialist grades... in their dealings with government over the impending new consultant contract.
We fear that senior doctors, who are the government’s next target, will increasingly vote with their feet alongside their juniors rather than wait around to be used as target practice by politicians in whom they have now totally lost faith.
(NB: Hope this should answer this question from BTL)
We do not here much from Senior doctors about any of this, any ideas why not.
Updated
at 2.52pm GMT
2.37pm GMT
14:37
Corbyn: 'What is keeping this dispute going is the Secretary of State'
Jeremy Corbyn has called Hunt’s decision to impose a contract on junior doctors “provocative and damaging” and said he expected to see further strike action.
He refuted Hunt’s repeated view that the BMA had been unwilling to negotiate and said the imposition showed the health secretary had “a lack of confidence in his own arguments.”
What is now keeping this dispute going are the actions of the Secretary of State himself.
More strikes now look likely. If that happens, it will be clear that the blame lies with the government, not the doctors. Even at this late stage, I appeal to Jeremy Hunt to go back and negotiate with the BMA.
This government is reckless with our NHS and is now prepared to put patient care at risk in the service of its self-defeating austerity programme.
2.30pm GMT
14:30
While I’ve been focussed on junior doctor contract, my colleague Rowena Mason has been following the row over party funding we touched on earlier.
Ministers have hinted they could be prepared to back down on plans to slash opposition party funding, known as Short money, amid signs some Conservatives could revolt over the cuts.
Here’s her report:
John Penrose, a Cabinet Office minister, said a new consultation about the move would start shortly, after Labour called an urgent question in the House of Commons to condemn the government’s “shabby” handling of the plans.
Some Tories feared the cuts of 19% to state funding for opposition parties would set a bad precedent and contravene the principle that such moves are done on a cross-party basis.
The move comes on top of the government’s trade union bill that is expected to cut Labour’s funding from the unions by as much as £8m, as members will be forced to opt into subscriptions rather than being automatically affiliated with the choice of opting out.
This is the story in full:
Related: Ministers hint at compromise on opposition party funding
Updated
at 2.50pm GMT
2.25pm GMT2.25pm GMT
14:2514:25
The pop star James Blunt has this interesting offer to make, if the title is indeed his to bestow.The pop star James Blunt has this interesting offer to make, if the title is indeed his to bestow.
I'm officially handing over my Cockney Rhyming title to @Jeremy_HuntI'm officially handing over my Cockney Rhyming title to @Jeremy_Hunt
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.25pm GMTat 2.25pm GMT
2.23pm GMT2.23pm GMT
14:2314:23
This picture is captioned as “Jeremy Hunt with a man in medical scrubs”.This picture is captioned as “Jeremy Hunt with a man in medical scrubs”.
That man is Dr Dagan Lonsdale, a specialist registrar in intensive care medicine, based at St George’s hospital in south London, and one of the most vocal critics of the junior contract.That man is Dr Dagan Lonsdale, a specialist registrar in intensive care medicine, based at St George’s hospital in south London, and one of the most vocal critics of the junior contract.
He followed Hunt into the studio, to berate him about his decision.He followed Hunt into the studio, to berate him about his decision.
You’ve got no evidence whatsoever Mr Hunt that these changes will have a positive effect. You are taking a massive gamble with people in the NHS. I don’t know why you won’t address that point.You’ve got no evidence whatsoever Mr Hunt that these changes will have a positive effect. You are taking a massive gamble with people in the NHS. I don’t know why you won’t address that point.
Health secretary @Jeremy_Hunt was confronted by #JuniorDoctor @DaganLonsdale on his way to the Sky studio https://t.co/g84PkPNiEYHealth secretary @Jeremy_Hunt was confronted by #JuniorDoctor @DaganLonsdale on his way to the Sky studio https://t.co/g84PkPNiEY
2.14pm GMT2.14pm GMT
14:1414:14
Some breaking news now, the chancellor George Osborne’s psychiatrist brother Adam Osborne is struck off the medical register after a tribunal rules he had a relationship with a vulnerable patient.Some breaking news now, the chancellor George Osborne’s psychiatrist brother Adam Osborne is struck off the medical register after a tribunal rules he had a relationship with a vulnerable patient.
My colleague Josh Halliday has been at the hearing.My colleague Josh Halliday has been at the hearing.
Dr Adam Osborne "showed a blatant disregard for the fundamental tenets of the medical profession," medical tribunal rulesDr Adam Osborne "showed a blatant disregard for the fundamental tenets of the medical profession," medical tribunal rules
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.14pm GMTat 2.14pm GMT
2.12pm GMT2.12pm GMT
14:1214:12
Are you a junior doctor who opposes this decision? How does it make you feel? What would you say to the health secretary?Are you a junior doctor who opposes this decision? How does it make you feel? What would you say to the health secretary?
We’re looking for your stories. Here’s where you can tell us about how it will affect you.We’re looking for your stories. Here’s where you can tell us about how it will affect you.
Related: Junior doctors, what's your message for Jeremy Hunt?Related: Junior doctors, what's your message for Jeremy Hunt?
2.11pm GMT2.11pm GMT
14:1114:11
Heidi Alexander, the shadow health secretary, has been speaking to Sky News.Heidi Alexander, the shadow health secretary, has been speaking to Sky News.
She said Jeremy Hunt is presenting the junior contract as if it were the key to unlocking more consistent care over seven days.She said Jeremy Hunt is presenting the junior contract as if it were the key to unlocking more consistent care over seven days.
“The truth is the need to change a huge number of things,” she said, pointing to consultant cover, and the number of nurses on wards relative to admissions.“The truth is the need to change a huge number of things,” she said, pointing to consultant cover, and the number of nurses on wards relative to admissions.
Alexander also argued that patients are likely to be sicker if they access care at weekends, particularly those who cannot be admitted to hospices to receive palliative care.Alexander also argued that patients are likely to be sicker if they access care at weekends, particularly those who cannot be admitted to hospices to receive palliative care.
It’s a really complicated issue and the health secretary is in real danger of over simplifying this and conflating the junior doctor contract with his manifesto commitment to a seven-day service.It’s a really complicated issue and the health secretary is in real danger of over simplifying this and conflating the junior doctor contract with his manifesto commitment to a seven-day service.
She said she would be happy for any of her relatives to receive weekend care at any NHS hospitals. “It is something that as a country we should be proud of. My concerns is that as the years go by is that we could see that quality of care deteriorate,” she said.She said she would be happy for any of her relatives to receive weekend care at any NHS hospitals. “It is something that as a country we should be proud of. My concerns is that as the years go by is that we could see that quality of care deteriorate,” she said.
2.02pm GMT2.02pm GMT
14:0214:02
The Guardian’s home affairs editor Alan Travis has now published his full report of the sharp criticism of the so-called ‘snoopers’ charter’ by a key committee of peers and MPs.The Guardian’s home affairs editor Alan Travis has now published his full report of the sharp criticism of the so-called ‘snoopers’ charter’ by a key committee of peers and MPs.
The home secretary has yet to make a conclusive case for giving spying agencies new snooping powers to track the web browsing histories of all British citizens, a key committee of peers and MPs has concluded.The home secretary has yet to make a conclusive case for giving spying agencies new snooping powers to track the web browsing histories of all British citizens, a key committee of peers and MPs has concluded.
The third critical report from a parliamentary committee in three weeks increases the pressure on Theresa May to rewrite substantial parts of her so-called snooper’s charter introduced after Edward Snowden’s disclosures of mass surveillance.The third critical report from a parliamentary committee in three weeks increases the pressure on Theresa May to rewrite substantial parts of her so-called snooper’s charter introduced after Edward Snowden’s disclosures of mass surveillance.
The final report of the pre-legislative scrutiny committee on the investigatory powers bill makes 86 detailed recommendations to ensure the new legal framework covering intrusive spying powers is workable, can be understood by those affected and includes proper safeguards.The final report of the pre-legislative scrutiny committee on the investigatory powers bill makes 86 detailed recommendations to ensure the new legal framework covering intrusive spying powers is workable, can be understood by those affected and includes proper safeguards.
The committee’s recommendations include:The committee’s recommendations include:
• Strengthening of the judicial commissioners’ role; that they are appointed and dismissed by the lord chief justice, not the prime minister, initiate their own investigations, and refer directly to the investigatory powers tribunal. But the committee says the current proposed judicial role on “double lock” authorisation of intrusive surveillance warrants is sufficiently flexible.• Strengthening of the judicial commissioners’ role; that they are appointed and dismissed by the lord chief justice, not the prime minister, initiate their own investigations, and refer directly to the investigatory powers tribunal. But the committee says the current proposed judicial role on “double lock” authorisation of intrusive surveillance warrants is sufficiently flexible.
• Stronger safeguards for the protection of legally and journalistically privileged material to be written on the face of the bill.• Stronger safeguards for the protection of legally and journalistically privileged material to be written on the face of the bill.
• On encryption, it welcomes the home secretary’s reassurance that the bill will not create “back doors” to encrypted services such as WhatsApp but wants clarification written into the bill. It stops short of endorsing tech industry concerns about encryption.• On encryption, it welcomes the home secretary’s reassurance that the bill will not create “back doors” to encrypted services such as WhatsApp but wants clarification written into the bill. It stops short of endorsing tech industry concerns about encryption.
• The publication alongside the bill of a full justification for so-called “bulk collection powers” – mass harvesting of personal communications data – which the home secretary has yet to provide.• The publication alongside the bill of a full justification for so-called “bulk collection powers” – mass harvesting of personal communications data – which the home secretary has yet to provide.
• Parliamentary review of the operation of the powers under the bill, five years after it is brought into force.• Parliamentary review of the operation of the powers under the bill, five years after it is brought into force.
Here’s the full report:Here’s the full report:
Related: Minister has not fully made case for snooper's charter, says committeeRelated: Minister has not fully made case for snooper's charter, says committee
1.52pm GMT1.52pm GMT
13:5213:52
I’m getting more reaction through from many different health bodies, which are highly critical of Hunt’s vow to impose the contract on doctors.I’m getting more reaction through from many different health bodies, which are highly critical of Hunt’s vow to impose the contract on doctors.
Both junior doctors and midwives already provide seven day services, day and night, 365 days a year.Both junior doctors and midwives already provide seven day services, day and night, 365 days a year.
Imposing a contract on junior doctors in this manner is likely to damage morale further and is an attack on all NHS staff.Imposing a contract on junior doctors in this manner is likely to damage morale further and is an attack on all NHS staff.
We would ask whether the Government has carried out a structured and robust risk assessment, along with measures to evaluate the impact of their decision on patient safety.We would ask whether the Government has carried out a structured and robust risk assessment, along with measures to evaluate the impact of their decision on patient safety.
The last few months have been incredibly tough for junior doctors, and have led to the lowest morale across our profession in a generation.The last few months have been incredibly tough for junior doctors, and have led to the lowest morale across our profession in a generation.
Imposing a contract, in its current form, is asking junior doctors - the future of our NHS - to work under conditions in which they neither feel valued nor able to deliver safe patient care.Imposing a contract, in its current form, is asking junior doctors - the future of our NHS - to work under conditions in which they neither feel valued nor able to deliver safe patient care.
The imposition of the contract will undoubtedly impair our efforts to recruit thousands of additional doctors into the NHS over the coming years in order to keep the health service sustainable - as many medical students are seeing this turmoil, not liking what they see, and turning away from medicine in the UK altogether.The imposition of the contract will undoubtedly impair our efforts to recruit thousands of additional doctors into the NHS over the coming years in order to keep the health service sustainable - as many medical students are seeing this turmoil, not liking what they see, and turning away from medicine in the UK altogether.
The NHS needs certainty on this contract and a continuation of a dispute would be harmful to patients, and the NHS.The NHS needs certainty on this contract and a continuation of a dispute would be harmful to patients, and the NHS.
Over the last four years significant progress has been made to address concerns around safe working. I believe the new offer is fair and safe for doctors, and patients.Over the last four years significant progress has been made to address concerns around safe working. I believe the new offer is fair and safe for doctors, and patients.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.57pm GMTat 1.57pm GMT
1.51pm GMT1.51pm GMT
13:5113:51
Around 500 people have said they will join an emergency protest tonight outside the Department of Health at 5pm, against the imposition of the contract.Around 500 people have said they will join an emergency protest tonight outside the Department of Health at 5pm, against the imposition of the contract.
The government have decided to *try* to impose this contract on junior doctors. Let’s show them what they can do with it. #junioraction #juniorcontractThe government have decided to *try* to impose this contract on junior doctors. Let’s show them what they can do with it. #junioraction #juniorcontract
1.48pm GMT1.48pm GMT
13:4813:48
Much has been made over how junior doctors have been moving in droves to Australia and New Zealand over working conditions and morale in the NHS. But they may not need to go as far as that.Much has been made over how junior doctors have been moving in droves to Australia and New Zealand over working conditions and morale in the NHS. But they may not need to go as far as that.
Any junior doctors in England should know they will not have the contract imposed if they cross the border, the Welsh health minister Mark Drakeford has said in a statement released just now.Any junior doctors in England should know they will not have the contract imposed if they cross the border, the Welsh health minister Mark Drakeford has said in a statement released just now.
We have no plans to impose a new junior doctors’ contract.We have no plans to impose a new junior doctors’ contract.
Wales has a strong tradition of working in partnership with our staff and their representatives.Wales has a strong tradition of working in partnership with our staff and their representatives.
Wales will continue to offer attractive working arrangements and a positive training experience, based on the existing new deal arrangements.Wales will continue to offer attractive working arrangements and a positive training experience, based on the existing new deal arrangements.
Junior doctors from any part of the UK interested in working in Wales will find fair working conditions and a very warm welcome here.Junior doctors from any part of the UK interested in working in Wales will find fair working conditions and a very warm welcome here.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.49pm GMTat 1.49pm GMT
1.42pm GMT1.42pm GMT
13:4213:42
My colleague Rajeev Syal has posted his first take on the tense exchanges between MPs and Google executives and HMRC earlier at the public accounts committee today, including the moment that Google’s Matt Brittin said he did not know his own salary.My colleague Rajeev Syal has posted his first take on the tense exchanges between MPs and Google executives and HMRC earlier at the public accounts committee today, including the moment that Google’s Matt Brittin said he did not know his own salary.
In the early stages of a grilling over Google’s tax affairs, the internet company’s European boss was asked to tell MPs what he was paid – but said he could not disclose the figure because he didn’t know how much he earned.In the early stages of a grilling over Google’s tax affairs, the internet company’s European boss was asked to tell MPs what he was paid – but said he could not disclose the figure because he didn’t know how much he earned.
Matt Brittin was appearing before the public accounts committee in the aftermath of a row about £130m in back taxes it agreed to pay in a deal that caused a public outcry, despite being described as a victory by George Osborne. At the beginning of the session, Brittin, the president of Google Europe, declined to respond to a request to say how much he was paid, saying: “I’ll happily disclose that if it’s a relative matter for the committee.”Matt Brittin was appearing before the public accounts committee in the aftermath of a row about £130m in back taxes it agreed to pay in a deal that caused a public outcry, despite being described as a victory by George Osborne. At the beginning of the session, Brittin, the president of Google Europe, declined to respond to a request to say how much he was paid, saying: “I’ll happily disclose that if it’s a relative matter for the committee.”
The committee chair, Meg Hillier, demanded to know it, but Brittin said he did not have the figure. “You don’t know what you get paid, Mr Brittin?” she said to laughter in the room.The committee chair, Meg Hillier, demanded to know it, but Brittin said he did not have the figure. “You don’t know what you get paid, Mr Brittin?” she said to laughter in the room.
She continued: “Out there, our constituents are very angry, they live in a different world clearly to the world you live in, if you can’t even tell us what you are paid.She continued: “Out there, our constituents are very angry, they live in a different world clearly to the world you live in, if you can’t even tell us what you are paid.
“It seems a bit of a PR disaster if you didn’t have the nous to realise in the same week that taxpayers were filing their tax returns, and sweating over a little bit of bank interest and getting it in on time, and you announce this as a good deal.“It seems a bit of a PR disaster if you didn’t have the nous to realise in the same week that taxpayers were filing their tax returns, and sweating over a little bit of bank interest and getting it in on time, and you announce this as a good deal.
Here’s the rest of the report:Here’s the rest of the report:
Related: Google boss claims he does not know his salary in Commons grillingRelated: Google boss claims he does not know his salary in Commons grilling
1.39pm GMT1.39pm GMT
13:3913:39
Junior doctors have been tweeting me with their analysis of Hunt’s comments in the House of Commons earlier.Junior doctors have been tweeting me with their analysis of Hunt’s comments in the House of Commons earlier.
@jessicaelgot we cannot seek to "boost basic pay" rotas are rotas can't choose to work out of hours or not #juniorcontract@jessicaelgot we cannot seek to "boost basic pay" rotas are rotas can't choose to work out of hours or not #juniorcontract
@jessicaelgot People will remember this day at the ballot box #juniorcontract@jessicaelgot People will remember this day at the ballot box #juniorcontract
@jessicaelgot govt has 1 major bargaining chip in #juniorcontract - they are monopoly providers of postgraduate medical training [1/2]@jessicaelgot govt has 1 major bargaining chip in #juniorcontract - they are monopoly providers of postgraduate medical training [1/2]
@jessicaelgot most have worked incredibly hard for junior training posts – no way to progress in career unless we accept their contract[2/2]@jessicaelgot most have worked incredibly hard for junior training posts – no way to progress in career unless we accept their contract[2/2]
@jessicaelgot thanks! I'm leaving for a research post in April and do not plan to return to NHS after. I'm about 1 year away from consultant@jessicaelgot thanks! I'm leaving for a research post in April and do not plan to return to NHS after. I'm about 1 year away from consultant
. @jessicaelgot Heartbroken that Govt imposing contract.Juniors will vote with their feet: England's loss is Scotland,Wales&Australia's gain. @jessicaelgot Heartbroken that Govt imposing contract.Juniors will vote with their feet: England's loss is Scotland,Wales&Australia's gain
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.45pm GMTat 1.45pm GMT
1.35pm GMT1.35pm GMT
13:3513:35
Jeremy Hunt finds support from the Telegraph’s Asa Bennett, who has little sympathy for the BMA. Here’s an extract.Jeremy Hunt finds support from the Telegraph’s Asa Bennett, who has little sympathy for the BMA. Here’s an extract.
This Saturday pay offer was far from unjust for junior doctors, who can already count themselves lucky for getting any premium for working that day. The same can’t be said for firefighters, police officers, air ambulance pilots, retail assistants or restaurant staff – all of whom work Saturdays on their standard rate of pay. Most care home nurses and managers work Saturdays at their normal rate too. As a union, the BMA is of course meant to have its members’ best interests at heart, but digging in over issues like this shows how out of touch it is, seemingly unaware of how others work in the public and private sector.This Saturday pay offer was far from unjust for junior doctors, who can already count themselves lucky for getting any premium for working that day. The same can’t be said for firefighters, police officers, air ambulance pilots, retail assistants or restaurant staff – all of whom work Saturdays on their standard rate of pay. Most care home nurses and managers work Saturdays at their normal rate too. As a union, the BMA is of course meant to have its members’ best interests at heart, but digging in over issues like this shows how out of touch it is, seemingly unaware of how others work in the public and private sector.
1.28pm GMT1.28pm GMT
13:2813:28
BMA reaction: 'a flawed contract'BMA reaction: 'a flawed contract'
The full text of the BMA’s press release can be found here. Another snippet:The full text of the BMA’s press release can be found here. Another snippet:
Junior doctors already work around the clock, seven days a week and they do so under their existing contract. If the government want more seven-day services then, quite simply, it needs more doctors, nurses and diagnostic staff, and the extra investment needed to deliver it. Rather than addressing these issues, the health secretary is ploughing ahead with proposals that are fundamentally unfair.Junior doctors already work around the clock, seven days a week and they do so under their existing contract. If the government want more seven-day services then, quite simply, it needs more doctors, nurses and diagnostic staff, and the extra investment needed to deliver it. Rather than addressing these issues, the health secretary is ploughing ahead with proposals that are fundamentally unfair.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.30pm GMTat 1.30pm GMT
1.24pm GMT1.24pm GMT
13:2413:24
Denis CampbellDenis Campbell
Here is the Guardian’s story on Hunt’s decision, which contains reaction from the BMA.Here is the Guardian’s story on Hunt’s decision, which contains reaction from the BMA.
Dr Johann Malawana, chair of the BMA’s junior doctors committee, said: “The decision to impose a contract is a sign of total failure on the government’s part. Instead of working with the BMA to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of patients, junior doctors and the NHS as a whole the government has walked away, rejecting a fair and affordable offer put forward by the BMA. Instead it wants to impose a flawed contract on a generation of junior doctors who have lost all trust in the health secretary,.”Dr Johann Malawana, chair of the BMA’s junior doctors committee, said: “The decision to impose a contract is a sign of total failure on the government’s part. Instead of working with the BMA to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of patients, junior doctors and the NHS as a whole the government has walked away, rejecting a fair and affordable offer put forward by the BMA. Instead it wants to impose a flawed contract on a generation of junior doctors who have lost all trust in the health secretary,.”
Imposition could prompt a generation of “alienated” junior doctors to choose not to continue their careers in the NHS, Malawana added.Imposition could prompt a generation of “alienated” junior doctors to choose not to continue their careers in the NHS, Malawana added.
“This is clearly a political fight for the government rather than an attempt to come to a reasonable solution for all junior doctors,” he said. “The government’s shambolic handling of this process from start to finish has totally alienated a generation of junior doctors – the hospital doctors and GPs of the future, and there is a real risk that some will vote with their feet.”“This is clearly a political fight for the government rather than an attempt to come to a reasonable solution for all junior doctors,” he said. “The government’s shambolic handling of this process from start to finish has totally alienated a generation of junior doctors – the hospital doctors and GPs of the future, and there is a real risk that some will vote with their feet.”
Related: Jeremy Hunt to impose contract on junior doctorsRelated: Jeremy Hunt to impose contract on junior doctors
1.20pm GMT1.20pm GMT
13:2013:20
Jeremy Hunt has been on Sky News defending the new contract. While feelings are running high in the middle of an industrial dispute, he argues, once the dust settles people will realise in a few years’ time that it was the obvious thing to do. He rejects the argument that the contract is unsafe as it will mean a reduction in maximum hours worked in a week and fewer consecutive night shifts.Jeremy Hunt has been on Sky News defending the new contract. While feelings are running high in the middle of an industrial dispute, he argues, once the dust settles people will realise in a few years’ time that it was the obvious thing to do. He rejects the argument that the contract is unsafe as it will mean a reduction in maximum hours worked in a week and fewer consecutive night shifts.
12.57pm GMT12.57pm GMT
12:5712:57
Lunchtime summary - Jeremy Hunt imposes contract on junior doctorsLunchtime summary - Jeremy Hunt imposes contract on junior doctors
12.51pm GMT12.51pm GMT
12:5112:51
Hunt has finished taking questions on his statement. Here’s some of the latest reaction on Twitter to the news he will impose the contract.Hunt has finished taking questions on his statement. Here’s some of the latest reaction on Twitter to the news he will impose the contract.
Hard to believe Hunt was brought in to calm things down in the NHS after the warfare triggered by Andrew Lansley and his reforms #savethenhsHard to believe Hunt was brought in to calm things down in the NHS after the warfare triggered by Andrew Lansley and his reforms #savethenhs
Glad to hear that Prof Sue Bailey chair @AoMRC has agreed to lead a wider review of long standing issues affecting junior doctors' moraleGlad to hear that Prof Sue Bailey chair @AoMRC has agreed to lead a wider review of long standing issues affecting junior doctors' morale
If current and earlier docs offer both "cost neutral", there is something very wrong with way @Jeremy_Hunt & Health Dept do their sums!If current and earlier docs offer both "cost neutral", there is something very wrong with way @Jeremy_Hunt & Health Dept do their sums!
Jeremy Hunt should be forced onto Question Time this evening so he can't hide away this evening after forcing his Junior Doctor contract.Jeremy Hunt should be forced onto Question Time this evening so he can't hide away this evening after forcing his Junior Doctor contract.
12.44pm GMT12.44pm GMT
12:4412:44
Many MPs are bringing up the effects of imposition of the contract on morale and recruitment.Many MPs are bringing up the effects of imposition of the contract on morale and recruitment.
Hunt says he believes “the biggest threat to morale is when doctors are not able to deliver the care they came into the profession to deliver.”Hunt says he believes “the biggest threat to morale is when doctors are not able to deliver the care they came into the profession to deliver.”
That’s what we’re trying to put right. In the end, the government have to decide what is right for patients and services as well as right for doctors.That’s what we’re trying to put right. In the end, the government have to decide what is right for patients and services as well as right for doctors.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.46pm GMTat 12.46pm GMT
12.38pm GMT12.38pm GMT
12:3812:38
Jack Dromey, Labour MP, asks if Hunt is proud that he has alienated junior doctors, and patronised them by saying they did not understand what was on offer.Jack Dromey, Labour MP, asks if Hunt is proud that he has alienated junior doctors, and patronised them by saying they did not understand what was on offer.
Hunt says Dromey “can do a lot better than that” but insists the BMA would not meet the government without pre-conditions until December this year, when they had already balloted for industrial action.Hunt says Dromey “can do a lot better than that” but insists the BMA would not meet the government without pre-conditions until December this year, when they had already balloted for industrial action.
12.35pm GMT12.35pm GMT
12:3512:35
Here’s the full statement from Labour’s shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander to Jeremy Hunt a few minutes ago.Here’s the full statement from Labour’s shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander to Jeremy Hunt a few minutes ago.
This whole dispute could have been handled so differently.This whole dispute could have been handled so differently.
The Health Secretary’s failure to listen to junior doctors, his deeply dubious misrepresentation of research about care at weekends and his desire to make these contract negotiations into a symbolic fight for delivery of seven-day day services has led to a situation which has been unprecedented in my lifetime.The Health Secretary’s failure to listen to junior doctors, his deeply dubious misrepresentation of research about care at weekends and his desire to make these contract negotiations into a symbolic fight for delivery of seven-day day services has led to a situation which has been unprecedented in my lifetime.
Everyone, including the BMA, agrees with the need to reform the current contract. But hardly anyone thinks the need to do that is so urgent that it justifies imposition, and all the chaos that will bring.Everyone, including the BMA, agrees with the need to reform the current contract. But hardly anyone thinks the need to do that is so urgent that it justifies imposition, and all the chaos that will bring.
One of the hospital chief executives who the Secretary of State claims is supporting him has tweeted this morning: “I have supported the view that the offer made is reasonable… I have not supported contract imposition”.One of the hospital chief executives who the Secretary of State claims is supporting him has tweeted this morning: “I have supported the view that the offer made is reasonable… I have not supported contract imposition”.
Can the Health Secretary not see that imposing a new contract which doesn’t enjoy the confidence of junior doctors will destroy morale which is already at rock bottom?Can the Health Secretary not see that imposing a new contract which doesn’t enjoy the confidence of junior doctors will destroy morale which is already at rock bottom?
Does he not realise that this decision could lead to a protracted period of industrial action which will be distressing for everyone – patients, doctors, everyone who works in or depends upon the NHS?Does he not realise that this decision could lead to a protracted period of industrial action which will be distressing for everyone – patients, doctors, everyone who works in or depends upon the NHS?
A poll earlier this week found that nearly 90 per cent of junior doctors are prepared to leave the NHS if a contract is imposed. The Health Secretary needs to stop behaving like a recruiting agent for Australian hospitals and start acting like the Secretary of State for our NHS.A poll earlier this week found that nearly 90 per cent of junior doctors are prepared to leave the NHS if a contract is imposed. The Health Secretary needs to stop behaving like a recruiting agent for Australian hospitals and start acting like the Secretary of State for our NHS.
The Health Secretary has been keen to present a new junior doctor contract as the key which unlocks the delivery of 7 day services. This is a massive oversimplification and he knows it. Whilst research shows a higher mortality rate amongst patients admitted to hospital at the weekend, there is absolutely no evidence which shows a lack of junior doctors specifically causes this.The Health Secretary has been keen to present a new junior doctor contract as the key which unlocks the delivery of 7 day services. This is a massive oversimplification and he knows it. Whilst research shows a higher mortality rate amongst patients admitted to hospital at the weekend, there is absolutely no evidence which shows a lack of junior doctors specifically causes this.
What we heard from the Secretary of State today could amount to the biggest gamble with patient safety this House has ever seen. He has failed to win the trust of the very people who keep our hospitals running and he has failed to convince the public of his grounds for change.What we heard from the Secretary of State today could amount to the biggest gamble with patient safety this House has ever seen. He has failed to win the trust of the very people who keep our hospitals running and he has failed to convince the public of his grounds for change.
Imposing a contract is a sign of failure. It’s about time the Secretary of State realised that.Imposing a contract is a sign of failure. It’s about time the Secretary of State realised that.
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MP Bernard Jenkin says he has such sadness that junior doctors were caught up in a dehabilitating and damaging dispute. He asks Hunt to speak directly with them and calls the BMA relationship “destructive.”MP Bernard Jenkin says he has such sadness that junior doctors were caught up in a dehabilitating and damaging dispute. He asks Hunt to speak directly with them and calls the BMA relationship “destructive.”
Hunt reiterates he believes there was no reason to have this dispute, and a seven-day NHS was something that was desired by every single doctors who “chose a career in medicine with the highest ethical motives.”Hunt reiterates he believes there was no reason to have this dispute, and a seven-day NHS was something that was desired by every single doctors who “chose a career in medicine with the highest ethical motives.”
He says he will continue to engage with doctors directly.He says he will continue to engage with doctors directly.
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Here’s some of the first reactions from junior doctors, students and others to Hunt’s confirmation that he will be imposing the contract.Here’s some of the first reactions from junior doctors, students and others to Hunt’s confirmation that he will be imposing the contract.
Hunt announces Junior contract to be imposed. He has failed Patients, the NHS & this country. There'll be no certainly, only uncertainty nowHunt announces Junior contract to be imposed. He has failed Patients, the NHS & this country. There'll be no certainly, only uncertainty now
We seem to be living in a dictatorship not a democracy #juniorcontract @Jeremy_HuntWe seem to be living in a dictatorship not a democracy #juniorcontract @Jeremy_Hunt
@Jeremy_Hunt you're a liar. A complete liar. Thank you for making me feel like the last 6 years of uni have been for nothing #Juniordoctors@Jeremy_Hunt you're a liar. A complete liar. Thank you for making me feel like the last 6 years of uni have been for nothing #Juniordoctors
I'm devastated for my F2 daughter who is going to Oz in August and my son who graduates as a Dr this year #notsafenotfair #juniordoctorsI'm devastated for my F2 daughter who is going to Oz in August and my son who graduates as a Dr this year #notsafenotfair #juniordoctors
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Labour MP Barry Gardiner says it is logical to assume the problem he is trying to solve will get worse as fewer doctors join the NHS.Labour MP Barry Gardiner says it is logical to assume the problem he is trying to solve will get worse as fewer doctors join the NHS.
Hunt says there are 10,600 more than five years ago.Hunt says there are 10,600 more than five years ago.
There have been a lot of smoke and mirrors about what the contract proposal is.There have been a lot of smoke and mirrors about what the contract proposal is.
I hope all trainees and medical students look at the proposal that independent experts believe fair and reasonable and we will continue to recruit more doctors into the NHS.I hope all trainees and medical students look at the proposal that independent experts believe fair and reasonable and we will continue to recruit more doctors into the NHS.
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