Thousands of junior doctors will strike from 8am today for 24 hours after contract negotiations failed again. 

The British Medical Association (BMA) had been in last-minute discussions with the Department of Health to avert action.

February 8: Junior doctors across Surrey and south-west London to go on strike for 24 hours on Wednesday

February 1: Junior doctors' strike back on as union fails to reach agreement with government

Emergency care will be provided but junior doctors will be on the picket line until 8am Thursday, February 11. 

The dispute is over a change to contracts, which would change the payment of normal time and premium time. 

Currently, junior doctors are paid a higher rate for hours worked between 7pm and 7am Monday to Friday and for weekend work.

Under a new contract, premium time would cover hours work between 10pm and 7am Monday to Saturday. 

NHS England has advised patients that anyone with a planned operation of procedure today will have been contacted by their hospital to confirm it is going ahead.

GP practices will be open and working as normal. 

Anyone with life-threatening or serious conditions should visit Accident and Emergency or call 999.

Those without serious conditions should visit a GP, pharmacist or call 111.