British Medical Association accused of silencing pro-Palestine voice after cancelling talk by veteran NHS doctor

The British Medical Association (BMA) has cancelled a scheduled talk by Dr. Swee Ang, the founder of UK charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), sparking widespread criticism over the perceived silencing of pro-Palestinian voices.

Dr. Ang was due to address the BMA’s Medical Students Conference at its London headquarters on Friday, where she was set to meet with the trade union’s student chapter. However, according to activist groups, the BMA withdrew the invitation, stating that the meeting’s agenda had been completed and there was no longer time for her to speak.

The decision prompted protests outside the BMA building on Friday, where supporters and pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered to demand Dr. Ang be reinstated as a guest speaker.

"Medical students are going to be the custodians of health. You must defend the right to health of everyone in the world," Dr. Ang told the crowd, as quoted by the Workers Revolutionary Party.

"I can’t understand why the BMA stopped students from hearing me. We want them to know how to cope with working on the front line of the health service," she said.

Ang, a veteran NHS orthopaedic surgeon, is known for her pro-Palestinian advocacy. Speaking outside the BMA, she expressed her determination to continue raising awareness, particularly amid Israel's nearly two-year assault on Gaza

"I wake up every morning crying for Palestine. How much more must Gaza take? I will defend them by speaking up for them. They cannot stop me. I cannot speak in the lecture hall, but I am speaking here," she added.

She also encouraged young medical activists to "show courage" and use their platforms to advocate for Palestine.

The cancellation drew condemnation from rights groups and medical professionals. The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "We stand with health workers who are being silenced for speaking up against a genocide they have witnessed first-hand."

Palestinian-British surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, a survivor of the Gaza war, also criticised the BMA’s decision. "The British Medical Association has sunk to new depths of moral cowardice and genocide enablement," he posted.

"It cancelled a talk by Dr. Swee Chai Ang at its annual Medical Students Conference. God forbid they become inspired to spend their career in the service of humanity as opposed to serving power," he added.

NHS consultant Nizar Ali Mhani also voiced support for Dr. Ang, stating on X: "Her voice must be heard." He recalled receiving BMA support when facing complaints over his own pro-Palestinian stance, adding, "For that I’m grateful."

The BMA has yet to issue a public statement in response to the backlash.

Dr. Ang is a survivor of the 1982 Sabra-Shatila massacre during Israel's invasion of Lebanon, an event that led her to found MAP. She has since spent over four decades working as an NHS doctor and remains active in supporting healthcare in Palestinian territories.

MAP has been one of the few international organisations operating in northern Gaza throughout the ongoing war, with local teams providing critical medical and humanitarian assistance.

The organisation has consistently reported on attacks against Palestinian healthcare infrastructure by Israeli forces.