The State of It Keir Starmer's fight with "reckless" striking doctors. And Labour's Zack Polanski problem
Mar 31, 2026
Lara Spirit, deputy political editor at The Sunday Times, brings sharp reporting on UK politics. She unpacks Keir Starmer stepping into junior doctors negotiations and the 48‑hour showdown with the BMA. She also covers Green Party conference chaos and Zack Polanski's bold plan to win union support. Plus an exclusive on Britain‑France small boats talks and the Dunkirk detention centre drama.
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Starmer Personally Leading Junior Doctor Talks
- Keir Starmer is personally fronting junior doctors' pay talks because the NHS is central to Labour's political case and Number 10 fears being seen as unwilling to fight.
- Lara Spirit says Starmer risks exposure if talks fail, but non-intervention would fuel critiques he's not decisive, so he's chosen to engage directly.
Government Uses Ultimatum And Job Cuts As Leverage
- Number 10 and Wes Streeting gave a 48‑hour ultimatum and threatened to remove 1,000 training posts to pressure the BMA into accepting roughly a 7% offer.
- Lara Spirit notes public sympathy varies: polling shows more support for striking nurses than doctors, complicating the government's public case.
Green Conference Digital Voting Fallout
- The Green Party spring conference exposed organisational friction after online voting glitches and acrimonious debates, including a delayed Zionism motion.
- Lara Spirit says digital voting lapses and bitter activist disputes highlighted membership-driven incoherence.