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Thousands protest over plans to change junior doctor contracts

Demonstrations are being held today against proposed changes to junior doctor contracts. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said he is 'disappointed' at the misrepresentation of government plans.

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BMA: Junior doctor rally will be 'wake-up for ministers'

Junior doctors marched on Downing Street last month in protest over contract change plans. Credit: PA

Dr Johann Malawana,chairman of the British Medical Council's junior doctors' committee, has denied the Health Secretary's accusation it has misled doctors over proposed contract changes.

Ahead of a protest rally, he said it would be "a wake-up call for ministers" that pay and working hours reforms are "unacceptable".

In recent weeks the health secretary has acknowledged junior doctors play a vital role in the NHS, which is at odds with his relentless and extremely damaging rhetoric attacking doctors, which has led to the anger on display today.

We have always stated that without the continued threats of imposition and pre-conditions, the BMA would be happy to enter meaningful negotiations. But until the government gives junior doctors the reasonable assurances they are demanding we will continue with our course of action.

– Dr Johann Malawana, chair of the BMA junior doctors committee

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