Will NHS consultants vote to stop the strikes?
Spectator (UK)NOV 28 2023
Senior Doctors in England Accept Pay Offer, End Strikes
Image copyright: Guy Smallman/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
While all parties have hailed the agreement as both sensible and reassuring, and the deal is likely to help continue to reduce waiting times, there is more to do. Although the NHS continues to be spread thin, only exacerbated by continued rounds of various health sector strikes, the deal does give hope that a mature middle ground can continue to be found.
Establishment-critical narrative
NHS staff will continue to ensure they are being paid appropriately for their value. With the UK being drained of both experienced and young professionals taking handsome overseas offers, the agreement will help to block the leak within the UK's health service for now. While the Tories may laud the ending of the dispute as a comprehensive political victory, there is a long way to go until the government settles its debts with the entirety of NHS staff.