Junior Doctors: Industrial Action

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Thursday 24th March 2016

(8 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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There is much interest. I will start by calling not a medical doctor, but a generally brainy bloke, Dr Julian Lewis.

Julian Lewis Portrait Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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I am greatly obliged, Mr Speaker, as always. Will the Minister tell me whether, having quite rightly balloted its members on general strike action, the BMA has balloted the junior doctors on the withdrawal of emergency care?

Ben Gummer Portrait Ben Gummer
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My right hon. Friend raises an important point. I believe that the legality of the action is correct and that the BMA is within its rights to do as it is doing, but that does not change whether it is right or wrong. Many junior doctors who may have supported the BMA in the withdrawal of elective care will be profoundly worried about that escalation.