Ballot for strike action ‘premature’ and ‘unnecessary’, says Streeting

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By Jane Kirby and Ella Pickover, PA Media

A ballot for strike action by NHS resident doctors in England is “premature” and “unnecessary”, the health secretary has said, though he indicated they would not get the pay rise they are asking for.

Wes Streeting said the British Medical Association, which announced the ballot on Friday, should wait for the pay offer from the government, which he expects to be within the next few weeks.