Doctors launch their 15th round of strikes as the dispute now tops £3bn

Junior doctors have begun a fresh six-day strike across England, marking the 15th round of industrial action in three years and intensifying pressure on the NHS.

The walkout, which started at 7 am on Tuesday and runs until Monday, is expected to cost taxpayers around £300 million.

The total cost of the long-running dispute has now reached at least £3.2 billion, according to reports.

The strike was called by the British Medical Association (BMA) after it rejected the Government’s latest offer without putting it to a vote among members. The union is demanding improved access to training places and a restoration of pay to 2008 levels.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said: “This Government was prepared to compromise with the BMA, but there’s only so far we can bend before we snap.”

He told the Telegraph that the latest pay rise offer was “a fair deal that many were willing to accept.” Streeting then warned that the disruption caused by the strikes has now cost billions.

NHS England said hospitals will attempt to minimise disruption, though the short notice of the strike presents significant challenges for services already under strain.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that a proposal to expand training by 1,000 additional places is no longer “financially or operationally” viable following the BMA’s rejection.

Patients have been advised to attend scheduled appointments unless contacted otherwise, while those facing life-threatening emergencies should continue to call 999 or attend A&E.

Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England, said: “Staff across the NHS will be doing everything they can this week to keep patients safe and ensure people can continue to get the care they need.

“We know this round of industrial action will be difficult, coming straight after the Easter weekend, but patients should come forward as normal and attend any appointments unless they are contacted otherwise.

“The NHS remains open for you this week – as ever, please call 999 or come to A&E in an emergency, and use 111 online first if you need urgent but not life-threatening help.”