Blair: British GPs the 'best in Europe'
The PM believes GPs deserve their high earnings
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Wednesday, 31, Jan 2007 04:19
British GPs are the best in Europe and deserve to be paid handsomely, the prime minister has said.
Speaking to MPs during prime minister's questions, Tony Blair insisted GPs were of the highest standard and merited their earnings.
Responding to a question from Tony Wright, Labour MP for Cannock Chase, Mr Blair was forthright.
"I don't always stick up for the GPs, but this time I will," he said.
"There's nothing wrong with our GPs being paid the best in Europe if they're providing the best service, and I believe they are."
The prime minister's comments follow the publication of an independent survey into GP services which indicated an improvement in performance but also a surge in earnings.
Dr Simon Fradd, who helped the British Medical Association negotiate the terms of GP services with the government's representatives, says doctors were flabbergasted at the levels of pay agreed.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The Investigation, which will be aired tomorrow, Dr Fradd said a six per cent cut in pay in return for axing evening and weekend work was way beyond expectations.
While the move - accepted by nine in ten practices - meant a drop in basic salary, the chance to top up pay through performance-related bonuses has seen the average GP pay top £100,000.
"It was just stunning," Dr Fradd told the programme. "Nobody in my position had ever believed we could pull it off but to get it for six per cent was a bit of a laugh."