Junior doctors in England have announced their intention to hold a five-day strike in July, marking their longest walkout yet, as a protest against pay disparities. The strike will commence at

07:00 on Thursday, July 13, and conclude at 07:00 on Tuesday, July 18.

The British Medical Association (BMA), the union representing doctors, has deemed the government's offer of a 5% pay increase as "not credible" and argues that doctors' pay has failed to keep pace with inflation. The BMA has been advocating for a 35% increase to compensate for 15 years of below-inflation salary hikes. This will be the fourth strike by junior doctors since the pay dispute arose.

The strike action is expected to result in the postponement of numerous planned appointments, requiring senior doctors to provide emergency care. The Prime Minister's spokesperson expressed disappointment over the strike, emphasizing the potential risks to patient safety and efforts to reduce waiting lists.

The BMA urged the government to present a credible offer to avert the strike. In Scotland, junior doctors have been offered a new pay increase of 14.5% over two years, following negotiations with the Scottish government. The BMA Scotland has set three days of strike action for July 12 to July 15 unless an improved offer is made.