NHS pessimism creeping up as striking doctors push on with 35% pay demand | Adam Boulton

Junior doctors begin five-day walkout across England

Junior doctors have begun a five-day walkout across England in an elongated dispute over pay. Medics are calling for a 35% pay increase, which both the Conservatives and Labour say they cannot afford, The British Medical Association pledged to call off the strike if the Prime Minister made a credible commitment to restore their pay. The union said it stands ready to talk and has already had some discussions with the Labour Party. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM warns of tough decisions as system is 'broken'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he will have to take tough decisions after the Conservatives left parts of the system “broken”, including the NHS and prisons. He denied suggestions that the situation was a prelude for unannounced tax decisions but warned that change can’t be delivered overnight. Sir Keir said the work has started and will be delivered as “quickly as we can” in early months and years of government. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sir Ed Davey drives tractor during campaign trail

Sir Ed Davey drove a tractor as he continued his election campaign ahead of Thursday's general election. The Liberal Democrats leader vowed to transform the NHS by putting healthcare at the forefront of his party's priorities. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn