Doctors vote to go ahead with this week’s five-day strike

This week’s five-day doctor strike in England will go ahead after British Medical Association members voted to continue with a planned walkout despite a new offer from the government.

The strike is due to start at 07:00 on Wednesday with ministers warning patients will be put at risk because of the huge pressures on hospitals which are battling a wave of flu.

Some 83% voted for the strike to go ahead in the online poll held over the weekend.

The BMA agreed to the snap poll last week after the government came forward with a fresh deal which included increasing speciality training posts and covering out-of-pocket expenses like exam fees.