Abstract
The UK government recently stated its intention to impose a new junior doctor contract in England. Related negotiations between the British Medical Association and government representatives started in 2013. These have to-date failed to reassure doctors, who are concerned about risks to their welfare, patient safety, and the future of England's National Health Service. With the impending imposition of the new contract, and lack of progress, junior doctors felt the risks of striking had fallen below those of inaction. Hence, the first strike staged by the English medical workforce for 40 years occurred in January 2016.