Delegates to the doctors’ BMA union conference last week called for the complete withdrawal of the government’s health and social care bill.
This was despite Tory claims to have removed its most contentious elements.
Doctors remain outraged at plans to allow private firms greater access to the NHS.
Despite pleading from BMA chair Hamish Meldrum, a large majority backed a motion that called for continued opposition to the bill.
Speeches from Jackie Applebee, Paddy Glackin and myself persuaded delegates not to accept amendments that would have softened the BMA’s position.
This is a major blow to the government’s hopes that its “respray job” had health workers fooled.
Delegates also voted by 87 percent for a ballot on “all forms of industrial action” if the Tories continue with plans to attack our pension scheme.
One-off payments aren’t enough
Anti-racist protests call for change
