New smart motorway plans being scrapped - BBC

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By Katy Austin & Andre Rhoden-Paul

Transport correspondent

The building of all new smart motorways is being cancelled over cost and safety concerns, the government has announced.

Some 14 planned schemes, including 11 already on pause and three set for construction, will be scrapped due to finances and low public confidence.

Smart motorways are a stretch of road where technology is used to regulate traffic flow and ease congestion.

They also use the hard shoulder as an extra lane of traffic, which critics claim has led to road deaths.

Existing smart motorways - making up 10% of England's motorway network - will remain and undergo a previously announced safety refit to create 150 more emergency stopping places and improved technology.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - who pledged to ban smart motorways during his leadership campaign - said "all drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country".

• Are smart motorways dangerous?

The Department for Transport said the new schemes would have cost more than £1bn, and cancelling them would allow time to track public trust in smart motorways over a longer period.

Seven of the 14 projects that have been cancelled were going to involve converting stretches of motorway into "all-lane running" roads where the hard shoulder is permanently removed.

They will now remain as"dynamic" smart motorways where the hard shoulder can be opened as an extra lane during busy times.

The construction of two stretches of smart motorway from junctions six to eight on the M56, and from 21a to 26 on the M6, will continue as they are already more than three quarters complete.

Smart motorways were developed to create more capacity and cut congestion on roads, without spending money and causing disruption building news ones.

However, they have been criticised by MPs and road safety bodies, including the AA and RAC.

What is a smart motorway?

There are three main types:

• controlled, which have a permanent hard shoulder, but use technology such as variable speed limits to adjust traffic flows

• dynamic, where the hard shoulder can be opened up at peak times and used as an extra lane; when this happens, the speed limit is reduced to 60mph

• all-lane running, where the hard shoulder has been permanently removed to provide an extra lane; emergency refuge areas are provided at regular intervals for cars that get into trouble

All three models use overhead gantries to direct drivers. Variable speed limits are introduced to control traffic flow when there is congestion, or if there is a hazard ahead. These limits are controlled by speed cameras.

Claire Mercer, whose husband died on a smart motorway in South Yorkshire in 2019, welcomed the move but pledged to continue campaigning for the hard shoulder to return on every road.

Jason Mercer and another man, Alexandru Murgeanu, died when they were hit by a lorry on the M1 near Sheffield after they stopped on the inside lane of the smart motorway following a minor collision.

Mrs Mercer said: "I'm particularly happy that it's been confirmed that the routes that are in planning, in progress, have also been cancelled. I didn't think they'd do that.

"So it's good news, but obviously it's the existing ones that are killing us. And I'm not settling for more emergency refuge areas."

Mrs Mercer's MP, Labour's Sarah Champion for Rotherham, said she was relieved the government had listened to motorists.

But she said she wanted to know if schemes currently in construction would be restored, and why a ban had taken so long despite a government review and two parliamentary select committee reports.

In 2020, a BBC Panorama investigation found 38 people had died in the previous five years on smart motorways.

AA president Edmund King said: "We have had enough coroners passing down their deadly and heart-breaking judgments where the lack of a hard shoulder has contributed to deaths.

"At last the government has listened and we are delighted to see the rollout of smart motorways scrapped… We would also like to see the hard shoulder reinstated on existing stretches in due course."

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "Today's announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and the cost pressures due to inflation."

The following schemes have been cancelled:

New all lane running smart motorways

M3 junction 9-14

M40/M42 interchange

M62 junction 20-25

M25 junction 10-16

Dynamic hard shoulder to all lane running conversions

M1 junction 10-13

M4-M5 interchange (M4 junction 19-20 and M5 junction 15-17)

M6 junction 4-5

M6 junction 5-8

M6 junction 8-10a

M42 junction 3a-7

M62 junction 25-30

Pipeline schemes

M1 North Leicestershire

M1 junctions 35A-39 Sheffield to Wakefield

M6 junctions 19- 21A Knutsford to Croft

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Related Topics

• Department for Transport
• Rishi Sunak
• Road safety

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2023-04-16 03:01:43Z
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Grand National 'a disgrace': Animal rights groups call for jump racing ban after three horses die at Aintree - Sky News

Animal rights campaigners are calling for jump racing to be banned after three horses died at Aintree - with one suffering a broken neck during the Grand National.

Protesters had tried and failed to stop yesterday's race from going ahead, and a total of 118 people were arrested.

Animal Aid says action must be taken to prevent the "brutal horrors" at Aintree Racecourse from happening again.

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Grand National protester arrested

Dene Stansall, the campaign group's horse racing consultant, said: "Innocent racehorses' lives taken from them in the name of entertainment and gambling.

"Aintree, the worst of all racecourses, is a disgrace and the Jockey Club and British racing should hang their hands in utter shame at what we have seen over the past three days."

The chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority - Julie Harrington - said the sporting body works "tirelessly" to improve safety records and reduce risk.

Offering her condolences to those linked to the horses who died this week, she added: "Every incident is reviewed by the BHA alongside the racecourse and other bodies.

More on Animal Rising

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"As a sport, we have for years shown great determination and commitment to improve welfare standards by taking measured scientific, evidence-based, regulatory and education-based steps."

Read more:
Opinion - 'I loved the Grand National until I saw what I saw'

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But given 62 horses have died at the Aintree Festival since 2000 - with 16 killed in the Grand National - critics argue that the safety measures in place don't go far enough.

The League Against Cruel Sports also wants whips to be banned because they push horses beyond what they can safely do, and says this weekend's events show change is needed.

Spokesperson Emma Judd said: "One death is too many. Animal welfare needs to be put before gambling profits and entertainment, and steps need to be taken to end this carnage which is occurring year after year."

She went on to call for an independent regulator that prioritises horse welfare.

Other animal welfare groups - including Peta UK - described the Grand National race as "one of the longest and most hazardous in the world".

It is now urging the public to put pressure on the event's sponsors so they withdraw financial support.

In a statement, Peta UK said notorious fences such as the Chair, Becher's Brook and the Canal Turn cause "horrific and often fatal injuries" almost every year.

"Every time horses are forced to jump over these excessively high obstacles, it puts tremendous pressure on their slender front legs and they risk broken legs, necks and backs," it added.

"Even those who make it off the track alive are likely to suffer. Thousands of horses - including 'spent' thoroughbreds and those who don't 'make the grade' - are discarded like used betting slips every year."

Envoye Special died on Thursday, followed by Dark Raven in an early race on Saturday. Hill Sixteen was put down after suffering serious injuries during the flagship event.

Dickon White, who runs Aintree Racecourse, said: "Hill Sixteen was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals during the Grand National, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."

Animal Rising - which spearheaded Saturday's protest - has suggested that its work is only beginning, and that it intends to start an "unignorable national conversation".

About 15 of its demonstrators managed to delay the start of the race by 12 minutes, while others caused extensive traffic by gluing themselves to the M57 motorway.

Some racegoers have said they disagree with the group's tactics.

Alice Pocock, from Berkshire, said: "Every horse here is born and bred to race. I think the protesters are putting themselves at harm and they don't understand the racing industry."

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2023-04-16 01:13:09Z
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Exact message all phones will get next Sunday as details of alert siren released - Wales Online

A message will appear alongside a loud alarm on millions of mobile phones across the UK at 3pm on April 23 in a nationwide test of a new public alert system. The system is intended to be used in life-threatening situations including flooding and wildfires.

The Government has released the text that will pop up on people’s home screens next Sunday. The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds even if devices are on silent.

It will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”

Phone users will be prompted to swipe away the message or clicking “OK” on their home screen before being able to continue using their device. Drivers are advised not to look at or touch their phone until it is safe, just as when receiving any call or message.

The system is modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said: “At 3pm next Sunday we’ll be doing a nationwide test of our new Emergency Alerts system.

“Getting this system operational means we have a vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be the sound that saves your life.”

Domestic violence campaigners have warned the test could put people in danger by revealing the location of secret phones hidden away by those at risk. The Government said it has been actively engaging with organisations working with vulnerable women and girls to ensure they are not adversely affected by the introduction of emergency alerts.

Officials stressed that it is easy to opt out of the system if people need their phone to stay concealed, either by turning off emergency alerts in their settings or simply having the phone switched off during the test. The test on St George’s Day coincides with major events including the London Marathon and the 2pm kick-off Premier League ties between Bournemouth and West Ham and Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.

Officials said they have worked with the Football Association and the Marathon’s organisers to make sure the impact of the test will be limited. Chief fire officer Alex Woodman, from the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, said: “We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe, and we need everyone to play their part, and the new Emergency Alerts system is one way we can do this.

“For 10 seconds, the national test may be inconvenient for some, but it’s important, because the next time you hear it, your life, and the life-saving actions of our emergency services, could depend on it.”

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2023-04-15 23:01:00Z
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Coronation Concert: Star-studded line-up announced for Windsor Castle event - Sky News

Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie are among musical acts on the "world class" line-up for the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, it has been announced.

Take That's performance will feature three of the original members - Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen.

However Robbie Williams and Jason Orange have been given the opportunity to re-join for a one-off reunion.

The event, hosted by the BBC, will also include performances by Italian opera star, Andrea Bocelli; Welsh bass-baritone Sir Brun Terfel; singer-songwriter Freya Ridings and classical-soul composer, Alexis Ffrench.

Read more: The ultimate guide to the King's coronation - how to watch, timings and procession route

More Coronation Concert acts are expected to be announced soon.

In a joint statement, Barlow, Donald and Owen said they "couldn't wait" for the show, scheduled for Sunday, 7 May - the day after the King Charles III and Queen Camilla are officially crowned at Westminster Abbey.

More on King's Coronation

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"This will be our first live show since the Odyssey Tour, four years ago in 2019, and what a stage to come back on.

"A huge live band and orchestra, a choir, military drummers, the backdrop of Windsor Castle and the celebration of a new King."

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Image: Take That - minus Robbie Williams and Jason Orange - will perform at the Coronation Concert

Image: Perry pictured with the King in London in February 2020

Meanwhile Perry said she was "excited" to perform as well as "shine a light further" on The British Asian Trust, a charity founded by the King when he was the Prince of Wales, which works to tackle widespread poverty and hardship in South Asia.

The American singer-songwriter is an ambassador for the charity and has highlighted its work to raise funds to find solutions to child trafficking.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Richie said it was an "honour" to be part of the event.

Image: The King meeting Lionel Richie in 2019

"To share the stage with other performers at the Coronation Concert is a once-in-a-lifetime event and it will be an honour and a celebration," he said.

Bocelli - who has previously had the "great honour" of singing for the late Queen on several occasions - will perform a duet of an "iconic song of love and collective solidarity".

Ridings, from north London, will take to the stage with Ffrench, also a producer and pianist.

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Guests prepare for King's coronation

Read more on the King's Coronation:

Prince Harry to attend Coronation without Meghan and children
Analysis: Who blinked first - how was Harry persuaded to attend Coronation?
Coronation guest ignored invitation mistaking it for spam

The show will also include a performance from the Coronation Choir, made up of community groups and amateur singers from across the nation.

Different locations will be illuminated using projections, lasers and drone displays as part of the Lighting Up The Nation, described as the centerpiece of the concert.

The BBC's chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, said: "We are bringing the nation together for this once-in-a-generation occasion, broadcast exclusively across the BBC live from Windsor Castle.

"We have a world class line-up of performers to look forward to for what promises to be a very special night of celebration and entertainment."

The concert will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

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2023-04-14 21:04:47Z
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Biden visit – latest news: US president to end Ireland trip with visit to ancestors’ home town - The Independent

Joe Biden says he spent ‘more time with Xi Jinping than any other world leader’

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Joe Biden will conclude his four day trip to the island of Ireland by visiting his ancestors’ hometown in Co Mayo on Friday, after urging Britain to work more closely with Dublin to prevent violence in Northern Ireland.

Mr Biden may visit a hospice dedicated to his late son Beau, and he is set to speak in Ballina at a cathedral to which his great-great-great grandfather once sold 27,000 bricks, helping him to travel to America in 1851.

In a speech to the Irish parliament on Thursday, 25 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the US president said “peace is precious, it still needs its champions, it still needs to be nurtured”, adding: “I think that the United Kingdom should be working closer with Ireland in this endeavour.

“Political violence must never be allowed again to take hold on this island.”

As he became the fourth US president in history to address the Dublin parliament, Mr Biden toasted the “Irish blood” spilled in the American War of Independence.

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Former Taoiseach wishes Biden ‘almighty welcome’ in Ballina

Former Taoiseach and Co Mayo native Enda Kenny has said he hopes Joe Biden receives an “almighty welcome” when he arrives in Ballina, the town where some of his ancestors are from.

“Of all the American presidents that I’ve seen and met, he has ... the most active Irishness of them all,” Mr Kenny told RTE. “A man deeply proud of his faith, deeply proud of his heritage, and has paid tribute to that during his visit here.

“And I hope that, as a Mayo man myself, that by the time he gets to the Moy river and St Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina this evening, that they will give him one almighty welcome.”

Joe Biden and Enda Kenny have met on many occasions, including in Dublin, in June 2016 (pictured)

(AFP via Getty Images)

Andy Gregory14 April 2023 09:48

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Biden’s visit a ‘very special week’ for Ireland, says deputy PM

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said it had been a “very special week” for Ireland as Joe Biden continues his visit.

Mr Martin told RTE’s Morning Ireland programme: “It has been a very special week insofar as it captures that special relationship with this president and the American people in terms of a shared past, and in many ways it’s a tribute to the legacy of that past given his own personal family story of emigration.

“But it is also a tribute to rich possibility of the future which I think he did focus on very significantly. In addition to that it is about shared values, it is about faith in the rules-based international order.

“Given all that is happening in the world today in terms of the war in Ukraine and the climate change existential challenge that he referred to, that sense of nations, particularly those that are committed to rules-based order and a value system, is very important. He did focus a lot over the last number of days on values.”

Joe Biden met Micheal Martin at Carlingford Castle on Wednesday

(Brian Lawless/PA)

Andy Gregory14 April 2023 08:55

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US and Ireland ‘know the value of democracy’, says Biden

Andy Gregory14 April 2023 08:13

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Biden becomes fourth US president to address Irish parliament

Joe Biden became the fourth US president to address the Irish parliament yesterday evening, after John F Kennedy in 1963, Ronald Reagan in 1984, and Bill Clinton in 1995.

In his 30-minute address, the president praised the “enduring” strength of the Ireland-US relationship as he promised “a future poised for unlimited shared possibilities”.

He was welcomed with sustained, rapturous applause as he entered the chamber in Dublin’s Leinster House for what he called “one of the great honours of my career”.

Asking to be forgiven for his attempt at speaking Irish, he said “Ta me sa bhaile” (I am home). Alastair Jamieson has the full report:

Andy Gregory14 April 2023 08:05

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‘Great buzz’ in Co Mayo ahead of Biden’s visit, says relative

There has been a “great buzz” in Co Mayo ahead of Joe Biden’s arrival today, a third cousin of the US president has said.

Joe Blewitt said the town of Ballina – where Mr Biden is due to speak at a cathedral to which his great-great-great grandfather sold 27,000 bricks, helping him to travel to America – will never have witnessed anything like it.

“We are building the stage at the moment. I am very excited, there is a great buzz all around the town. It has just been crazy,” he said. “The town will never have known anything like it, it is just great.”

Andy Gregory14 April 2023 07:46

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Biden to visit ancestors’ home in final day of Ireland visit

Joe Biden’s four-day trip to the island of Ireland will conclude today after he makes a public address in the hometown of some of his ancestors.

The US president has another busy schedule on Friday as he tours Co Mayo, starting with a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock, a Catholic pilgrimage site which has been visited by several popes, before travelling to the North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre’s family history research unit.

It is also believed Mr Biden will make a private visit to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice in Castlebar that is dedicated to his son Beau who died of brain cancer in 2015.

The visit will conclude in the town of Ballina where Mr Biden will make a speech at St Muredach’s Cathedral.

Mr Biden’s great-great-great grandfather Edward Blewitt sold 27,000 bricks to the cathedral in 1827, which helped buy tickets for himself and his family to sail to America decades later in 1851.

Andy Gregory14 April 2023 07:37

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Joe Biden told the audience at Dublin Castle: “Together, we have worked to become more peaceful, more equal, more diverse, more unified, and I think more hopeful.

“So today, wherever there’s a yearning for freedom, a struggle for change, a cry for justice, people around the world know they can count on Ireland.

“They can count on Ireland.”

President Joe Biden speaks during a banquet dinner at Dublin Castle

Liam James14 April 2023 00:35

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US-Ireland history unites Ukraine war response, says Varadkar

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said Ireland and the US have a shared history which unites their response to the war in Ukraine.

He was speaking at a dinner being held in US president Joe Biden‘s honour at Dublin Castle.

“When we show courage to defend the principle that all people are created equal, and we fight to protect those inalienable rights described so long ago when we become beacons of hope, as well as of liberty, helping others to find their own paths to freedom, and the freedom to achieve freedom - that is the promise of America. And that is the promise of Ireland too,” he said.

Biden sits next to Varadkar (to his right) at the Dublin Castle dinner

Liam James13 April 2023 23:58

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Joe Biden declares ‘I am home’ in historic address to Irish parliament

Joe Biden declared he was “home” in a historic address to Ireland’s parliament on Thursday where he spoke of the strength of US ties to Dublin and called on Britain to work more closely with Ireland to protect “precious” peace.

The US president was welcomed with sustained, rapturous applause as he entered the chamber in Dublin’s Leinster House for what he called “one of the great honours of my career.”

Asking to be forgiven for his attempt at speaking Irish, he said “Ta me sa bhaile” (I am home).

Mr Biden became the fourth US president to address the Irish Parliament after John F Kennedy in 1963, Ronald Reagan in 1984 and Bill Clinton in 1995.

Click here for the full story:

Liam James13 April 2023 22:30

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Biden namechecks JFK in Irish parliament speech

Joe Biden namechecked fellow Irish-Catholic president John F Kennedy when he addressed the Irish parliament.

The legacy of Mr Kennedy, who addressed a joint sitting of the Dail and Seanad in 1963, was reached for on a number of occasions by Mr Biden during the historic address.

Mr Biden, who like his predecessor has made little secret of his pride in his Irish roots, told parliamentarians: “We have the power to build a better future.”

He said that 60 years ago the “first Irish-Catholic president of the United States made a historic trip here speaking to this assembly and capturing the imaginations of Irish and Irish-American families alike”.

“When John Kennedy addressed parliament, the honour of the more than 150,000 Irish immigrants who joined the army of the North during America’s Civil War – and among them, one or two of them were my relatives as well - they signed up in a new land, to stand for old values, to defend freedom and the dignity of all people.”

JFK in Ireland, 1963

Liam James13 April 2023 21:45

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2023-04-14 08:35:40Z
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English polling stations to bring in extra staff as voter ID changes begin - The Guardian

Polling stations in England will have extra staff to help voters on 4 May as the government introduces its new rules on photographic ID, the Electoral Commission has said.

Craig Westwood, director of communications at the commission, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that workers had been preparing “for months” to put plans in place for the policy.

The change in voting rules will mean people turning up at polling stations are required to show photographic identification for the first time.

Westwood said: “There will be more staff. Some polling stations, particularly larger ones where there are more people who will be registered in that area, will have greeters, people who are outside the polling station that can just make sure that people are definitely aware of the ID requirement.

“That they’d got it with them, they’ve got it out of their purse, wallet, bag, and have got it ready, just to make sure that any queues are being eased through.

“The detailed training that the polling station staff has also helped them to prepare for some of the individual circumstances that they might experience, so somebody from the trans/nonbinary community who is concerned about having their ID seen in public, somebody who’s wearing a religious head dressing that they need to take off in private to be able to prove who they are. So all of those preparations have been put in place.”

The introduction of mandatory photo ID at the polling booths has been met with severe criticism from MPs and campaigners.

Ministers recently faced renewed accusations that the plan is a waste of time and resources after statistics showed there was not a single proven case of in-person voter impersonation last year.

The statistics highlighted a point made repeatedly by opponents of voter ID, that it tackles a problem that is almost unknown in Britain, while creating a barrier to voting for the estimated 2 million adults who lack the necessary documentation.

Meanwhile, other official data showed minimal take-up of free official voter documents before local elections in England on 4 May.

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Those without ID can apply for a free so-called voter authority certificate, issued by their council but available via a central government portal.

A running tally for central applications, which close on 25 April, show that as of 2 April, exactly 37,000 people had applied, fewer than 2% of the possible number of voters lacking ID.

Older and younger voters are even less likely to have applied for the document, despite both groups being seen as vulnerable to being put off from voting by the new laws. As of 2 April, just 1,361 people aged 75 or older had applied, 3.6% of the total. Just 6% of applications, 2,247 in all, had been from under-25s.

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2023-04-14 08:19:00Z
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Junior doctors’ leader apologises for booking holiday during strike - The Independent

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A junior doctors’ leader behind one of the longest ever NHS strikes has apologised for “undermining” the action by going on holiday while his colleagues are on the picket line.

Dr Rob Laurenson, co-chair of the British Medical Association’s Junior Doctors Committee, took annual leave to attend a family friend’s wedding this week, meaning he will be paid while striking doctors miss out.

In a message to his colleagues, posted online, he wrote: “I can see that you feel undermined and I am really sorry my actions have contributed to that.”

Laurenson has apologised for being away during the strike action

Around 47,000 junior doctors are staging a four-day walkout, demanding a 35 per cent rise to rectify a 26 per cent real-terms cut in their pay since 2008. They argue that the move will help the NHS to recruit and retain junior doctors, and thereby ease pressure on the health service.

Hospital bosses estimate that 350,000 routine operations will have been cancelled during the 96-hour strike, with fewer than half the number of consultants available to cover junior doctors’ shifts than during the previous action.

Negotiations are on hold as doctors and the government wrangle over the conditions under which they will agree to meet. Doctors say they are willing to hold talks via the conciliation service Acas, but minister Chris Philp said they had not made “formal contact”.

“If the Junior Doctors Committee is willing to suspend the strike action, and remove this 35 per cent pay increase as a precondition for talks, then we’re very happy,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “The door is open to have those talks.”

The British Medical Association (BMA) said last week, in reference to its members’ demand for a 35 per cent pay rise: “We very much expect that an offer will be a starting point in the discussions, rather than the final deal we agree, but until the minister’s office makes that offer and agrees to meet with us, we cannot consider stopping the strike action and starting negotiations.”

Dr Laurenson came under fire on Wednesday when it was revealed that he was missing the walkout.

Former Tory health minister Lord Bethell described him as a “plonker”, while Rishi Sunak said he was “surprised to read” that Dr Laurenson was on holiday.

Tory MP Julian Knight told The Independent: “The junior doctors’ strike is deeply irresponsible and their demands are totally unreasonable. Having orchestrated this disaster for patients and our NHS, for the union leader to then swan off in this manner is adding insult to injury.”

But colleagues rushed to Dr Laurenson’s defence, insisting he was “fulfilling a long-standing commitment”.

Asking colleagues to “forgive” him, Dr Laurenson, 28, said on Thursday: “The thing most important to me is the integrity of the unity of doctors, and that is why I’m at pains to be as transparent as possible and accountable as possible.”

Health service leaders have warned that the strike will be the most disruptive yet, and will have a significant impact on the ability of the NHS to provide care.

The NHS Confederation, which represents NHS trusts, warned on the second day of the action that “with junior doctors making up nearly two-fifths of an already understaffed workforce, NHS leaders are understandably worried about the further impact this walkout will have on their services”.

Striking NHS junior doctors on the picket line outside St Thomas’ Hospital in London

A majority of the public support the junior doctors’ strike action, with 54 per cent in favour and just 26 opposed, according to polling by Ipsos. Rather than falling away, support for the stoppages has been growing since March.

But health secretary Steve Barclay has dismissed the junior doctors’ demand to have their pay restored as “unrealistic” and says it amounts to a 35 per cent rise.

The government has refused to negotiate with the BMA until the union drops the demand.

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2023-04-14 07:21:19Z
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