The BMA said its members had voted ‘reluctantly but decisively' to strike on 25-26 November following an emergency meeting last week.

The union described the 2.4% uplift for doctors the Government proposed in evidence to the pay review body in mid-October as ‘an insult to hard working doctors and exhausted consultants'.

In a statement, the BMA said September talks with the Government had failed to meet its deadline for progress on 16 October, adding it had been offered a meeting on 5 November, well after this week's Budget.

Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of The NHS Alliance, said: ‘NHS leaders will be both astonished and dismayed by the BMA's decision to proceed with walk outs by consultants at a time when plans to restore waiting time targets hang by a thread and as teams make wider preparations for winter after a gruelling summer. Any decision to down tools risks throwing these plans further off course and will once again disrupt patient care while severely hitting NHS finances.

‘A consultant walk out will result in non-urgent outpatient appointments, elective surgeries, and follow-ups being postponed or rescheduled. While this is needed in the interests of patient safety it will potentially leave patients in unnecessary pain, discomfort and inconvenience.

‘At a time when industrial action has already cost the NHS more than £3bn over the last three years, this is the last thing patients need.

‘Our members across the NHS will continue to try to provide the best care possible and maintain patient safety during any periods of industrial action.

‘We urge the BMA's consultant committee to engage with the Government and find a resolution so that strikes do not go ahead.'

Health and social care secretary Yvette Cooper said: ‘The Government is working with staff across the NHS to prepare for winter, improve care for patients and make our health service better for the whole workforce.

‘NHS England and the Department have been in constructive discussions with the BMA, so it is very disappointing to see the BMA committee choosing this response rather than continuing with that dialogue.

‘With colleagues across the NHS, I am determined to support staff and patients through the tough winter period. I hope the BMA will stay united with us in that effort, and not take irresponsible action that would place our health service under even greater pressure at this crucial time.'