The BMA’s ballot for collective action opens for GPs in England today – closing at midday on Monday 29th July.

​GP members who run their surgeries will vote on whether to support the BMA’s call for collective action. The decision to launch the ballot came after the BMA formally entered a dispute with NHS England following the member referendum on the 2024/25 GMS contract changes in March.

​Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of BMA's General Practitioners Committee in England, said: “Over 99% of our members who responded, that’s more than 19,000 GPs and GP trainees, rightfully rejected the Government and NHS England’s 2024/25 GP contract changes. Despite numerous warnings and their refusal to improve the contract we’ve been left with no choice but to take action to save general practice. 

​“I urge all GP partner and contractor members to vote 'yes' and show the next Government that GPs can no longer tolerate running practices with less and less funding as demand continues to spiral. We want to provide patients with a quality service but it’s increasingly clear, and our patients can see for themselves - we simply cannot do that without sufficient investment and more GPs in our surgeries.”

​Collective action is not the same as strike action, but it could see GPs prioritising their patients’ needs over local NHS system wants, pulling out from data sharing agreements, or pushing back against NHS England to instead offer face-to-face appointments as a default. While discussions are ongoing, nothing is fixed, and all plans being explored are subject to change.

The BMA will seek to direct action from 1st August 2024. The GP Committee for England is encouraging all members to vote ‘yes’ and send a message to NHSE that GPs and their practice teams are ready to stand together for better services for patients and to protect practices.

​ENDS

Notes to editors

For more information, please visit our 2024/25 GP contract changes page, here. 

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.