An Ealing campaign group supporting the NHS has called for "genuine negotiations" from Jeremy Hunt after the Health Secretary agreed to enter talks with the British Medical Association.

On Wednesday (November 27), Mr Hunt agreed to enter talks with the BMA through arbitration service Acas in a last-ditch bid to deter junior doctors from going on strike.

It followed widespread pressure amid fears Mr Hunt's new contract proposals could threaten pay during unsociable hours.

Now campaign group Ealing Save Our NHS, who gathered in thousands to face the health secretary on November 20 when he was due at a venue in Southall , have called for "genuine" negotiations.

Vice-chair of ESON Oliver New said: "We hope it is a positive step forward but they would have to be genuine negotiations

"It is disappointing that up until now he has refused to agree to negotiate without pre conditions and has forced junior doctors to something they have never done before.

"If there is a strike we will be outside Ealing Hospital in support of the junior doctors."