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Northern Ireland GPs Revolt Against Imposed Contract, Seek Negotiations
16 Nov
Summary
- GPs in Northern Ireland pass no-confidence vote in health minister
- GPs reject £9 million contract, say £80 million needed to stabilize services
- GPs consider operating outside NHS structures as "Plan B"
On November 16th, 2025, GPs in Northern Ireland took a bold stand against the health minister, passing a no-confidence vote in response to his decision to impose a contract they had previously rejected. The British Medical Association's Northern Ireland Local Medical Committee Conference in Belfast overwhelmingly supported the motion, which they see as a "cry" to the minister to resume negotiations on funding general practice.
The GPs are deeply frustrated by the £9 million offered as part of the contract, which they say falls far short of the £80 million they had identified as necessary to stabilize general practice services in the region. In addition to the no-confidence vote, the conference also agreed to examine options for how GPs could operate outside the current NHS structures, a move seen as a potential "Plan B" if the impasse with the minister continues.
Dr. Frances O'Hagan, chairwoman of the BMA Northern Ireland GP committee, emphasized that the vote was a call to "get back around the table and rebuild that relationship" with the minister, as that would be the best outcome for patients. However, she acknowledged that GPs are already taking steps to explore alternative models, including the growing presence of private GPs in Northern Ireland, as they struggle to provide the level of access and care that patients need and deserve.
