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Junior Doctors’ Foundation Programme
22 April 2026
Lead MP
Peter Prinsley
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephen Kinnock
Tags
NHSEmploymentChildren & Families
Word Count: 10992
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Peter Prinsley raised concerns about junior doctors’ foundation programme in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Prinsley calls for reforms to the recruitment process and suggests returning to a firm-based model for the first year of training arranged by medical schools rather than a centralised national algorithm. He also recommends guaranteeing all UK graduates a foundation post with full details provided at least 12 weeks before the start date.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Dr Peter Prinsley is concerned about the current foundation programme for junior doctors, stating that only 44% of resident doctors are satisfied with their clinical training and 26% feel ready to move on to the next step. He highlights the issues with the preference informed allocation system which leads to a 'crazy foundation lottery' sending young doctors to cities where they know no one. Prinsley also mentions that medical students in relationships face unfairness due to linked applications, further complicating their career progression.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
He thanked the hon. Member for securing the debate a [1D [K and suggested that the Government should do more to address doctors' worklo [6D [K workload during their foundation programme, which is a critical period vuln [4D [K vulnerable to stress and burnout. Points out the problem of doctors moving to private [K care, leading to shortfalls in NHS doctor numbers.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
The MP expressed concern about the lack of an appeal [6D [K appeals process for student or resident doctors in their placement algorith [8D [K algorithm. He highlighted the importance of nurturing resident doctors thro [4D [K through fair workloads, high-quality supervision, and prioritising wellbein [8D [K wellbeing to ensure they feel valued and supported, which is crucial for re [2D [K retention rates. The MP also noted that strikes are often a last resort due [3D [K due to undervalued concerns about pay erosion and long working hours. Inquired about appeal processes within the PIA syste [5D [K system and expressed concerns over junior doctors' strikes, mentioning cost [4D [K cost of living issues.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Recalled the process of obtaining full registration [K as a doctor in 2001, highlighting how it differed from today's system. Ment [4D [K Mentioned accommodation provided for free during the PRHO job, which was la [2D [K later given up for extra money, leading to increased travel times and less [K flexibility in rosters. Criticized the current Oriel system for its randomn [7D [K randomness and lack of meritocracy. Asked about the timing of workforce plans in relatio [7D [K relation to the Foundation Programme. Questioned whether doubling medical s [1D [K school places is still a Government intention.
Danny Chambers
Lib Dem
Winchester
Danny Chambers praised NHS staff and highlighted the [3D [K the challenges faced by resident doctors, especially the uncertainty of tra [3D [K training placements. He supported increasing medical school placements but [K urged the government to ensure capacity for further training. He criticized [10D [K criticized the previous government's lack of follow-through on promises to [K build hospitals and increase training places without proper infrastructure. [15D [K infrastructure. Chambers also emphasized the importance of socioeconomic di [2D [K diversity in healthcare professions and called for clearer details regardin [8D [K regarding the implementation of new policies.
Jamie Stone
Liberal [8D [K (Liberal Democrat
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
He noted the importance of addressing social care wo [2D [K workers' pay and conditions in Scotland as it could help alleviate pressure [8D [K pressure on doctors who are struggling with workload issues due to staff sh [2D [K shortages.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He expressed disappointment that the Health Secretar [8D [K Secretary's agreement with the British Medical Association did not prevent [K strikes, despite an offer of a wage packet ranging from £50,000 to £100,000 [8D [K £100,000. Highlights the extreme workload and lack of support [K for junior doctors. Mentions a young doctor who works unsociable hours and [K feels burnt out due to exhaustion and overwhelming paperwork, with training [8D [K training costs ranging from £230,000 to £327,000 per student. Expressed frustration at the failure to secure a dea [3D [K deal with junior doctors but supported continued engagement with the BMA to [2D [K to reach an agreement.
Government Response
Stephen Kinnock
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mrs Barker. The UK foundation programme, a central part of becoming a doctor, supports newly qualified doctors in developing clinical and professional skills necessary for safe and effective care. Resident doctors have expressed concerns about their training experience, which we are committed to improving through phase 1 of the medical training review that made 11 recommendations focused on four key priorities: flexible training, bridging service and training, ending recruitment bottlenecks, and rewarding teams where doctors feel valued. The workforce plan will be published this spring, after extensive engagement with partners and stakeholders.
The Government delivered fast-track legislation to ensure UK medical graduates are prioritised for foundation and specialty training places, confirming all eligible UK medical graduates will be offered a place on the programme this year. The PIA system introduced in 2024 has seen significant improvements; currently, 82% of applicants get their first preference up from 71% last year. We remain committed to reviewing and improving this system.
The Government also supports measures for resident doctors' working conditions, including an improved exception reporting system that ensures fair compensation for additional work and rationalising statutory and mandatory training to reduce unnecessary burden. Significant progress has been made with a 29% pay increase for resident doctors, addressing years of underpayment due to the previous government's neglect.
The Government acknowledges public support for resident doctors' actions is eroding, urging them to return to the table for constructive dialogue. We remain committed to improving working lives and prospects for resident doctors while ensuring an effective foundation programme.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.