Suffolk Tory MP says junior doctors deserve a fair contract

Thousands of NHS workers protested in London against government changes to junior doctors' contracts. Credit: ITV News.

One of Suffolk's Conservative MPs has told junior doctors they are the "backbone of the NHS" and deserve a fair contract that rewards their hard work.

Former health minister Daniel Poulter made a video message to the medics in which he speaks out against his party's planned changes to NHS contracts.

Yesterday, doctors and health workers from across our region joined thousands of others in a protest in London.

They say contract changes will lead to a cut in wages for junior doctors and put them at risk of working unsafe hours.

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dr Poulter warned against a "return to those unsafe hours of the past".

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Daniel Poulter.

The government plans to reduce times when doctors are eligible for extra pay for working unsociable hours.

Unions say the proposals would also force trainees to work longer hours.

But Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt insists the contracts would not reduce pay going to junior doctors and said working hours needed to change to provide adequate weekend cover.

He also accused the British Medical Association of "misrepresenting" government plans to doctors.

Watch Dr Poulter's full message below.