Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has promised to ban doctors from going on strike if her party remains in power.
She said the ongoing strikes are putting lives at risk and that strong action is needed to protect patients and the healthcare system.
Speaking on GB News, Badenoch said she plans to change the law so that doctors will no longer be allowed to take part in strike actions.
She accused the British Medical Association, known as the BMA, of behaving in a way that she described as “out of control.”
This announcement follows a total of 11 strikes by doctors in the past year and a half, including a current five-day strike by junior doctors who are asking for better pay.
Badenoch said these repeated walkouts have led to serious consequences, including the loss of lives due to delayed treatments.
She said doctors play a vital role in society and that medicine is more than just a job—it is a calling.
But she believes that while their work is important, there must be a balance between supporting doctors and protecting the public.
She said the government had already made a fair offer that would help doctors while also being responsible with public money.
Badenoch also warned that these strikes are causing more than just financial harm.
They are leading to cancelled operations, delays in treatment, and emotional pain for families of the sick.
She called on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to join her in taking action against the BMA and said that political leaders must put the health and safety of patients first.
Under current UK law, police officers, the military, and prison officers are not allowed to go on strike.
This law is part of the 1992 Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.
Badenoch said the Conservatives would update this law to include doctors as well, making it illegal for them to strike.
She said this plan is meant to protect patients and keep the NHS stable and effective.
She described it as a common-sense step in the national interest.
If the Conservatives remain in power, she said they will work hard to stop further disruption in the healthcare system and prevent more people from suffering due to medical strikes.
