Responding to the result of a British Medical Association (BMA) consultative ballot asking NHS consultants if they would consider striking over pay, NHS Providers chief executive Sir Julian Hartley said:

"This move by consultants is another worrying development for NHS trust leaders, on top of the looming three-day strike by junior doctors. Strikes by consultants would heap yet more pressure on overstretched services.

"Patient safety and care is the top priority. Trust leaders urge the government and the BMA to find a resolution quickly."