Exclusive: Health Secretary Wes Streeting sends a warning to doctors after strike threats

More doctors strikes are the 'last thing the NHS needs' and the BMA must call off threats, says the Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The Health Secretary's told LBC he has "loads of sympathy" with the British Medical Association - but warned the public won't back more walkouts after their 28 per cent pay hike last year. He's urged them to work with him and leave industrial action as a "last resort" - saying he's willing to meet and doesn't have his 'fingers in his ears'. It comes after he told them last weekend he wouldn't be able to afford their demands for higher pay this year. In England, resident doctors are getting an average pay hike of 5.4 per cent - including a £750 consolidated payment. But the British Medical Association are already threatening fresh walkouts, saying another 20 per cent is needed to get them back to the pay they were seeing in 2008. They're balloting on fresh industrial action, which runs until July 7, with more strikes possible from next year. In an interview with LBC, Mr Streeting also: - Said he was happy with what he's got from the Chancellor - insisting she will prioritise the NHS - Admits it's a bumpy time for NHS chiefs as they have to balance budgets and implement huge reforms