Public Support for Doctors' Strike Collapses Ahead of Talks with Health Secretary

Strategic Insights -

The public's attitude towards a planned strike by hospital doctors in England has shifted dramatically, with support plummeting from 52% to 26% in just a year, according to new polling. This significant drop in approval for industrial action is attributed to the NHS's recent recovery, with waiting lists decreasing from record highs and patients showing solidarity with the doctors on picket lines. The British Medical Association's (BMA) resident doctors' committee has voted overwhelmingly to strike, but the ballot turnout has dropped to 55% from 77%, signaling some unease among doctors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Public support for the doctors' strike has decreased from 52% to 26% in just a year, highlighting a shift in public opinion.
  • The NHS's recent recovery, including a decrease in waiting lists from record highs, has contributed to the decline in public support for the strike.
  • The BMA's resident doctors' committee has voted overwhelmingly to strike, but the ballot turnout has dropped to 55% from 77%.
  • The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has already won the public's hearts and minds, according to the author, Kevin Maguire.
  • The BMA must now consider whether squandering bedside trust and respect are prices the doctors are prepared to pay in a dispute they could lose industrially as well as publicly.

Statistics:

  • Public support for the doctors' strike decreased from 52% to 26% in just a year (Ipsos polling).
  • Waiting lists in the NHS decreased from record highs (no specific data provided).
  • The BMA's resident doctors' committee voted overwhelmingly to strike, with 90% in 2025 and 98% in 2023 (no specific data provided).
  • Ballot turnout for the doctors' strike decreased from 77% to 55% (British Medical Association data).
  • Doctors' living standards decreased by 29% (BMA claim) or 5% (Nuffield Trust calculation) since 2008 (disputed).

Sources:

  • Ipsos polling
  • British Medical Association data
  • Wes Streeting, Health Secretary
  • Kevin Maguire, author
  • BMA (British Medical Association)
  • Nuffield Trust
  • TUC (Trade Union Congress)