Five consecutive days of strikes planned for Cumbrian Doctors

Resident doctors in Cumbria will strike for five consecutive days in the run-up to Christmas as part of national industrial action, the British Medical Association has confirmed. The walkout will run from 7am on December 17 until December 22.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the timing as cynical, accusing the union of trying to make medics the Grinch who stole Christmas. He said he remains open to talks and wants a deal that puts patients first.
Medical leaders warn services will face intense pressure due to rising flu cases and staff sickness, but the BMA says doctors have been left with no choice. Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, said the Government had failed to present a credible plan to fix the jobs crisis or address real-terms pay cuts. He added that issues around job security and training requirements are driving doctors away.
The upcoming walkout will be the latest in a series of strikes, including recent action in July and November. Last summer’s strike was estimated to have cost the NHS £300 million.
Mr Streeting accused the BMA of rejecting a fair offer and striking at the most disruptive time of year. NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles described the decision as inflammatory.
The BMA has begun balloting members on extending its strike mandate, which expires in January. If approved, the mandate would run until August 2026. The vote is open from December 8 to February 2.