Greens to join junior doctors on picket lines

Leading Green Party politicians will join Junior Doctors on the picket line at St Thomas’ Hospital in London this morning. 

Caroline Lucas MP, Natalie Bennett, Baroness Jenny Jones and Sian Berry, the Party’s Candidate for Mayor of London, will join doctors who are taking industrial action over proposed changes to their contracts.

Ahead of joining the picket Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:

“We fully support the action being taken by junior doctors today.  These dedicated professionals must be treated with the respect they deserve– and the people who use the NHS have a right to being looked after by a rested and fairly paid workforce.

“I know that Junior Doctors have not taken the decision to go on strike lightly but they simply don’t feel like they have any other option than to take this action.”

“This strike is happening because the Government is failing to address very serious concerns around safe working conditions, while failing to offer proper recognition for those working unsocial hours. Ministers have treated Junior Doctors with contempt and subjected them to a campaign of misinformation – it’s no wonder they’re at the end of their tether.

“This contract change is part of a wider Government assault on our health service. Student nurses have had their grants snatched away – and costly NHS marketisation is continuing. Now healthcare professionals are standing up to the bully boys around the Cabinet table.

“Junior Doctors should be offered a contract that’s fair to them and guarantees patients the treatment they deserve. Until they get that recognition the Green Party will stand side by side with Junior Doctors in their campaign.”

ENDS

Photo Opportunity: Please go to St Thomas’ Hospital at 8.30am on Tuesday 12th January (Photos will also be available afterward on request)

Contact: For Caroline Lucas MP please contact Matthew Butcher on 07885 459 904

For other press enquiries contact the Green Party Press Office on 0207 219 7025

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