GPs vote for industrial action that could significantly disrupt NHS services. GPs voted in favour of strike action due to a shortage of funds, prompting concerns of significant disruptions to NHS care that might last months. It is the first time in over 60 years that family doctors in England have voted in favour of collective action. In a survey of 8,500 members, family doctors in the British Medical Association (BMA) voted decisively in favour of collective action, with 98.3 percent supporting it.

Doctors have been told they can "pick and choose" among measures such as limiting the number of patients they see to 25 per day, which may push patients to call A&E or 111. According to the BMA, GPs see an average of 37 patients per day. Other steps may include refusing to exchange patient data unless it is in the best interests of the patient, referring patients straight to specialist care rather than going through longer and more complex NHS processes, and turning off NHS software that aims to reduce prescribing costs.

Beginning Thursday, GPs will be empowered to take whatever steps they want without notifying their patients. The BMA has stated that any measures implemented may remain in place until the Government agrees on a new contract with GPs. Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the BMA's GP committee for England (GPCE), stated, "We received a large response to this ballot, and the results are clear: GPs are at the end of their tether. This is an act of desperation. For far too long, we've been unable to offer the care we want. We are witnessing a breakdown in ordinary practice. Recent consecutive governments have wiped out the period of the family doctor, and our patients suffer as a result.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said that collective action by family doctors could be “catastrophic” for the NHS.

“General practice is supporting more patients than before the Covid pandemic so any reduction in activity, such as appointments, will put more pressure on A&E departments, waiting lists and other aspects of care,” he said.