Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given resident doctors 48 hours to reconsider planned strike action, warning he could withdraw a proposed deal that includes thousands of additional health service jobs. The doctors intend to walk out for six days from 7 April, marking the fifteenth round of strikes in England since 2023 in a dispute over pay and working conditions.

Sir Keir described the proposed agreement as a 'historic deal' that would deliver a 3.5 percent above-inflation pay rise this year, bringing total pay increases over three years to 35 percent. The offer also includes reforms to career progression, reimbursement for professional exam costs, and up to 4,500 additional specialist training places.

He condemned the planned strikes as 'reckless', warning that each round of industrial action costs the National Health Service £250 million and risks harming patient care. However, the resident doctors' committee argues the offer does not adequately protect pay against expected inflation and says it remains willing to continue negotiations.