Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has been ridiculed for announcing a government review into the morale of junior doctors on the same day he said a new, deeply unpopular contract would be forced upon them.

Hunt told the House of Commons the review will look at doctors’ quality of life and well-being, including inflexibility around annual leave, separation from family members and lack of notice about hospital placements a long way from home.

The health secretary said he discovered “deep –seated issues relating to junior doctors’ morale” during negotiations with doctors’ union the British Medical Association (BMA).

Twitter users were quick to mock Hunt, who appears to be unaware of the irony of his statements.

So NOW Jeremy Hunt orders enquiry into Doctor's morale.

Three words Jeremy:

1. Stable door

2. Horse

3. Bolted pic.twitter.com/EozTdBBp1X — Dr Jez Phillips (@drjezphillips) February 12, 2016

#JeremyHunt doesn't get why doctors have low morale after having an unfair contract imposed. Instead of an inquiry, try a mirror. Idiot. — The Written Ward (@WrittenWard) February 12, 2016

Strong work from @Jeremy_Hunt , launching an enquiry into why doctor's morale is low. Check your twitter feed JC, you should find the answer — Will Fradley (@WillFradley) February 12, 2016

Jeremy Hunt is opening an inquiry into doctors' morale: pic.twitter.com/DUPMEemv4Y — Nathan Mercieca (@nathanmercieca) February 11, 2016

A parliamentary petition for a no confidence vote in Hunt is rapidly approaching 80,000 signatures. The petition, started by Graham Hillman, attacks Hunt’s record in the top health role.

The Jeremy Hunt ‘vote of no confidence’ petition is growing rapidly https://t.co/GzYEGtg1AQpic.twitter.com/WTuteOEfuW — RT UK (@RTUKnews) February 12, 2016

“Mr. Hunt recently gave totally inappropriate advice toGoogle conditions before seeking medical opinion,” it states.

“He referred to Paramedics as Ambulance Drivers and has caused the first Doctors strike in years of the NHS. Mr. Hunt is destroying all staff morale in the NHS & will cause recruitment issues.”