Image: The Times

Starmer Gives Resident Doctors 48 Hours to Cancel Strikes or Lose Jobs Deal

30 March, 2026.Britain.8 sources

Key Takeaways

Starmer gave resident doctors 48 hours to cancel strikes or lose training posts.
The ultimatum follows the BMA's rejection of the government's pay deal.
Reports conflict on training posts at risk: 1,000 (BBC) vs 4,000 (Solihull).

48-Hour Ultimatum

Starmer has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to resident doctors to cancel their planned strike or lose a training places deal.

“- Published The prime minister has given the British Medical Association (BMA) 48 hours to call off the six-day doctor strike in England after Easter or face losing 1,000 extra training places”

BBC

The BMA's decision to reject the deal was condemned as reckless.

BBC

The proposed package includes a 3.5% pay rise and 4,500 extra speciality training places.

BMA Rejects 7.1% Rise

The BMA rejected a 7.1% pay rise offer.

The most experienced would have earned over £100,000 including additional hours.

GB News

The union argues a 26% increase is needed to restore pay to 2008 levels.

Starmer Warns of Consequences

Each round of strikes costs the NHS £250 million.

“Starmer tells resident doctors to cancel 'reckless' strikes or face losing jobs deal The Prime Minister warned that pressing ahead with strike action means “resident doctors are left with less, the NHS is weakened, and patients pay the price””