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Physicians

BMA Accused of "Corbynista Entryism" Over Free Membership Offer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The British Medical Association (BMA) has faced criticism for offering three months' free membership to doctors in an effort to boost turnout for a strike ballot. The ballot paper contains an inaccuracy regarding pay rises, stating that doctors have received "repeated below-inflation pay awards," when in fact they have received pay increases above inflation for two consecutive years. The BMA's "new member offer" aims to swell membership ranks to reach the 50 per cent turnout threshold required for the strike ballot, which closes on July 7.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BMA has launched a "new member offer" providing three months' free membership to doctors, allowing them to vote in a strike ballot despite being non-members.
  • The ballot paper inaccurately claims that doctors have received "repeated below-inflation pay awards," when in fact they have received pay increases above inflation for two consecutive years.
  • The BMA's resident doctors committee is demanding a 29 per cent pay increase, while the government has recently announced a 5.4 per cent pay award for 2025-2026, on top of a 22 per cent increase last year.
  • The strike ballot will include the "yes" vote option for the strike action, which would see a six-month work stoppage.
  • The health secretary, Wes Streeting, has stated that industrial action would harm NHS recovery, with existing waiting lists totaling 7.4 million.
  • A Labour Party source has accused the BMA of "Corbynista entryism," criticizing the union for rushing into the ballot before the government's pay award and refusing to correct the ballot papers.

Statistics:

  • 50,000 resident doctors are being asked to vote in the strike ballot.
  • 50 per cent turnout threshold is required for the strike ballot to be valid.
  • The now-expired ballot will close on July 7, with strikes potentially occurring from July 21 at the earliest.
  • 7.4 million waiting lists exist in the NHS.
  • 29 per cent pay increase is demanded by the BMA's resident doctors committee.
  • 5.4 per cent pay award has recently been announced by the government for 2025-2026.
  • 22 per cent increase was given to doctors last year.

Sources:

  • The British Medical Association
  • The health secretary, Wes Streeting
  • Labour Party source
  • Dr Melissa Ryan, co-chair of the resident doctors committee
  • The ballot paper
  • The BMA's resident doctors committee
  • The health secretary
  • Labour Party

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