Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A consultant anaesthetist has been named as the new chairman of council at the British Medical Association (BMA).
Dr Mark Porter was revealed as successor to Dr Hamish Meldrum who has stepped down from the role after five years.
Dr Porter will now become Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's key point of contact concerning doctors' protests over the Government's controversial pension reforms.
Earlier this week, he addressed the BMA conference in Bournemouth saying that the proposed pension reforms were "not fair, not moral and not just".
He said: "I do not believe doctors have taken action lightly.
"I do know that doctors can and will take part in talks that are not loaded and biased from the start, giving the pretence of talks for the purposes of media spin.
"Secretary of State, we will talk, we will negotiate, we are reasonable people. Will you?"
Meetings between the two could be tense after the union this morning called for Mr Lansley's resignation, saying they had "no confidence" in him.
"I'm excited and privileged to be taking on this role at what is clearly a particularly challenging time for the NHS and the medical profession," Dr Porter said.
"The BMA will continue to work to help its members do the best for its patients during a time of huge change, and often huge financial difficulty, for the NHS."
Dr Porter, who works at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, specialises in obstetric anaesthesia.
He has been chairman of the BMA's Consultants Committee since 2009.
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments