Following the Government’s decision to impose the 2026/27 GP contract without sufficient safeguards for practices, the BMA’s GP Committee for England (GPC England) has announced GP collective action from 1 May 2026.
Practices continue to work in exceptionally challenging conditions, with demand persistently exceeding available workforce and capacity. GPC England’s view is that the current contractual position creates significant risks for practices, patients, and the sustainability of general practice.
As an initial step, GPC England is recommending action focused on Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) and the secondary use of GP patient data.
Further background on the dispute and the rationale for GP collective action can be found on the BMA GP collective action campaign page and in the BMA statement regarding the imposed contract and ongoing negotiations.
What is the proposed action?
GPC England is asking practices to:
- Review all current Data Sharing Agreements and data flows involving GP patient data
- Seek clarification from commissioners regarding the lawful basis, purpose, and governance arrangements for existing DSAs
- Decline to enter into new voluntary secondary use DSAs from May 2026 unless practices are satisfied regarding governance and legal safeguards
- Use the BMA template letter to formally write to their ICB
The BMA states that this action:
- Does not breach the GP contract
- Has been reviewed by BMA Law and external King’s Counsel
- Is intended to strengthen transparency and governance around GP patient data
- Highlights the central importance of GP-held longitudinal patient records within wider NHS system architecture
Why is the BMA focusing on data sharing?
The BMA’s position is that GP practices, as data controllers for the GP record, should fully understand:
- Where patient data is flowing
- The purposes for which it is being used
- The legal basis for sharing
- What safeguards and DPIAs are in place
- How opt-outs and patient rights are being respected
The BMA also argues that GP data has become increasingly important to wider NHS transformation programmes, including neighbourhood working models and plans for a Single Care Record.
This GP collective action is therefore intended both as:
- A governance and housekeeping exercise for practices
- A wider demonstration of the importance of general practice within NHS infrastructure and system planning
Action for practices
Practices considering participation may wish to:
- Send the BMA template letter to their ICB regarding DSAs and secondary uses of GP data:
- SWL ICB CICO/CCIO – Dr Matt Laundy, [email protected]
- SWL ICB GP DPO – Laura Watson, [email protected]
- Surrey and Sussex are currently appointing their CCIO. In the interim we suggest emailing the ICB Chair, Ian Smith, [email protected]
- Surrey and Sussex DPO – Laura Taw, [email protected]
- Audit all existing DSAs currently in operation within the practice
- Review whether appropriate DPIAs and governance documentation are in place
- Discuss the issue internally within the practice and PCN, including potential conversations with Patient Participation Groups where appropriate
- Refer any new DSA requests to [email protected]
BMA resources on GP collective action
Core guidance
- Focus on GP data control
- Why GP collective action is focusing on data transparency
- The Government’s plan for the Single Care Record: briefing note for GPs
- FAQs: GPC England GP collective action letter regarding DSAs
Practical resources
- PC IT systems screenshot guide for reviewing DSAs
- LLR LMC case study on local GP collective action and data sharing requirements
- BMA template DSA letter for practices
Final points
The BMA is encouraging practices to participate collectively and consistently across PCNs and localities. The stated aim is both to protect practices and to increase pressure on Government to secure further contractual safeguards for general practice.
GPC England has indicated that this may represent the first stage in a wider programme of GP collective action if sufficient progress is not made in negotiations.
Local Medical Committees are statutory representative bodies for general practice and are distinct from the BMA, which is a trade union. LMCs cannot advise practices to breach their contractual obligations. However, we can signpost practices to BMA guidance and resources regarding GP collective action so that practices can make informed decisions about participation.