The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Large parts of the State a 'complete car crash'
13 snips
Jul 10, 2025 Join Anoush Chakelian as he chats with Rachel Cunliffe, who delves into the implications of the five-day doctor's strike for Labour. George Eaton discusses the challenges the junior doctor strikes present to the government, while Will Dunn analyzes the OBR report, highlighting Britain's long-term fiscal issues, like an aging population and rising pension debts. The discussion reveals the urgent need for policy changes to restore confidence and addresses the crisis in the justice system, marked by an overwhelming backlog.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Junior Doctors' Pay Dispute
- Junior doctors voted for five days of strike in July despite a recent 22% pay rise by Labour.
- Their pay remains lower in real terms pre-austerity, fueling tensions and complex industrial relations.
Declining Support for Doctor Strikes
- Public support for junior doctors' strikes has fallen nearly in half since Conservative times.
- Strikes threaten to reverse Labour's progress on reducing NHS waiting lists, tarnishing their record.
UK's Financial Unsustainability
- The UK's public debt and pension costs are rising unsustainably, limiting future economic shock capacity.
- Pensions and inflation-linked increases add billions yearly, straining government finances.