MEDICS from across the country packed into a courtroom yesterday to hear a legal challenge against a new deal for junior doctors.

Rachel Clarke, pictured, who works in Oxfordshire’s hospitals, was in one of 100 allocated seats in the High Court to hear the case brought against Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt by a group of five known as ‘Justice for Health’.

Barrister Jenni Richards QC, who led Justice for Health’s legal team, told Mr Justice Green that although the health secretary could recommend a new contract he had “no power” to impose one, adding that he had “acted in breach” of the “requirements of transparency, certainty and clarity”.

Barrister Clive Sheldon QC, who led Mr Hunt’s legal team, said the claim was “wholly without substance” and Mr Hunt had only “approved” the new contract, but would not “compel” NHS employers to use it.

In January, strikes began to be staged by junior doctors in Oxfordshire and beyond against the proposed contract. Dr Clarke, who helped co-ordinate efforts in Oxford, said Mr Hunt’s response had been “utter guff”.

She tweeted: “You allowed doctors to strike, having told us you were imposing, and now you say you weren’t, Mr Hunt? For shame.”

Next month thousands of doctors are planning a five-day walkout after the contract comes into effect.

Plans to implement it have been drawn up by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in advance