NHS doctor strike over Christmas could be called off after last ditch offer

But British Medical Association refuses to postpone strike while it ballots members so Wes Streeting says NHS operations will have to be cancelled regardless

Doctors will consider calling off an NHS strike action in the run-up to Christmas after a last ditch attempt offer.

A last ditch offer from the Government could avert the five-day strike from December 17 which could see many frail people unable to be discharged in time to be at home for Christmas. The British Medical Association will now ballot resident doctors over whether to accept the offer on "ending the jobs crisis for doctors in England" - but has refused to postpone the strike while this takes place.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says this will mean many operations will have to be cancelled anyway. He said: "This offer