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GPs in England Threaten Industrial Action Over NHS Reforms
1 Aug
Summary
- GPs give 8-week ultimatum to address funding, insurance, and role concerns
- GPs previously conducted "work-to-rule" measures last year
- GPs seek control of new community health hubs in government's 10-year plan
On August 1, 2025, it was reported that family doctors in England, known as general practitioners (GPs), are threatening to return to industrial action over the government's National Health Service (NHS) reforms. The GPs' leadership committee within the British Medical Association (BMA) has given the government an 8-week ultimatum to address their concerns about funding, insurance coverage, and their role in local healthcare reforms.
The BMA has informed the Health Secretary that GPs will consider industrial action during the upcoming winter unless their demands are met. This comes after GPs had previously conducted collective action last year, implementing "work-to-rule" measures that included restricting daily patient appointments and in-person consultations.
The GPs are now seeking to take charge of the new community health hubs outlined in the government's 10-year plan for the NHS in England. They have expressed "alarm" over hospital administrators' initial moves to position themselves at the center of these plans, leading the BMA to demand clarification on leadership roles.
The dispute could escalate further, as other medical professionals, including resident doctors, consultants, and nurses, are also considering strike action later this year. The government has warned the BMA that it will not back down, stating that the NHS is prepared to withstand an extended period of industrial action.
