The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed another round of industrial action in England as its dispute with the government over pay continues. Resident doctors — formerly known as junior doctors — will withdraw their labour for five days from 17 December, marking their 14th walkout since March 2023. The strike is expected to place further strain on hospitals already under seasonal pressure, with both emergency and planned care affected.

NHS leaders have condemned the timing, calling it highly provocative. Daniel Elkeles of NHS Providers warned that December is a crucial period for patient discharges and said the strike would be unfair to both patients and staff who remain on duty. Senior doctors are expected to step in to provide cover, though widespread disruption is still anticipated. The BMA, however, maintains that the government has yet to present a meaningful offer and insists it has been pushed into taking further action.

Talks collapsed last month after ministers proposed improvements to training opportunities, workplace conditions and financial support for exam fees, but refused additional pay increases. Health Secretary Wes Streeting argues resident doctors have already received pay rises approaching 30% over three years and says he will not reopen negotiations on salary. The union counters that, after inflation, doctors’ pay remains around 20% lower than in 2008.

Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, said the union was still open to discussion, noting that gradual pay restoration and basic job-security measures were achievable. With the current strike mandate due to expire in early January, the BMA has confirmed it will ballot members again to decide the next steps.

The health secretary, Wes Streeting, has commissioned an independent inquiry to explore the sharp rise in referrals for mental health, ADHD and autism services across England. The review, headed by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, will assess whether current diagnostic practices are appropriate and identify where services are failing to meet people’s needs. It follows longstanding concern about stretched provision and lengthy waits for treatment in many regions.

Ministers say they have already increased investment in talking therapies and school-based support, yet demand continues to outpace capacity. NHS data indicates a steep rise in reported mental health difficulties over the past 20 years, particularly among younger people and those out of work. The number of working-age adults receiving disability or incapacity benefits has also grown markedly since 2019. Streeting has previously suggested that over-diagnosis may be contributing to pressure on services, emphasising the need for a “clinical, evidence-led” approach to reform.

Professor Fonagy has pledged that the review will challenge assumptions and take seriously the perspectives of those who rely on support. Professional bodies and charities, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Mind, have welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of understanding why more people are seeking help and identifying persistent gaps in care.

Autism organisations have urged swift action, noting that although referral numbers may be stabilising, waiting times for assessments continue to rise sharply. The review’s findings are expected in summer 2026.