Junior doctors at the picket lines today say they feel "sad and angry" they have been forced to go on strike.

Hundreds of trainees at Barnet Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital are taking part in the first ever all-out strike in the history of the NHS, which will last all day today and tomorrow.

The British Medical Association, the union representing the junior doctors, say the new contract will see staff work longer hours for less money as it aims to curb unsociable hours pay by reclassifying the hours considered as such.

They are currently outside hospitals waving banners bearing the words 'no to imposition', 'our lives in your hand' and 'we are one profession, we stand together'.

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Dr Matteo De Martino is striking because of the “unfair and unsafe” contract proposed by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

He said: “This plan which will jeopardise the safety of our patients.

“It makes me feel sad and angry I have been put in this position by the Secretary of State.

“None of us are taking this strike lightly. We are all sad to be here on the picket line.

“The Government has had multiple opportunities to cancel it and we’ve made offers to negotiate, but they’ve all been turned down and refused.”

He also urged Prime Minister David Cameron to “step up and take responsibility”.

Last week the BMA wrote to Mr Hunt saying the union will call off this week’s strike if the Government lifts the “imposition” of the new contracts.

But talks proved unsuccessful and operations have been cancelled and consultants are providing emergency care.

At the Royal Free Hospital, there are supportive beeps and shouts from several passing cars.

There are currently around 40 people holding up banners, talking to the public and giving out stickers.

Sarrah Tayabali, 28, a haematology doctor, said: “We are hoping Jeremy Hunt will listen to the thousands and thousands of junior doctors around the country.

“I feel disappointed that the NHS – a national treasure – is something that the government treat with contempt, as are the staff on the NHS.

“Everyone has been really supportive today. There is lots of public support. All consultants on their way in are reassuring us they will be inside providing safe care.”

The strike is the third since Mr Hunt announced he would impose a new contract by August and claimed the union had refused “point blank to discuss reforms”.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mr Hunt said he would not back down on the dispute.

He added: “The impact of the next two days will be unprecedented with over 110,000 outpatient appointments and over 12,500 operations cancelled.

“The NHS is busting a gut to keep the public safe. But we should not lose sight of the underlying reason for this dispute, namely this government’s determination to be the first country in the world to offer a proper patient-focused seven-day health service.”

Anyone feeling unwell during the strike is asked to the NHS on 111 or speak to your GP or pharmacist.