Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to new cancer performance data from NHS England showing the cancer treatment target missed for a full year, said: 

“These figures show that you can’t trust David Cameron with the NHS. 

"In the last year, thousands of cancer patients have waited too long for treatment to start and, in some cases, their chances of survival have been harmed. 

"David Cameron cut the cancer budget by £800 million in real terms and, despite all the warnings, he persisted with an NHS reorganisation that disrupted cancer services. The deterioration in cancer care is a direct consequence of Government policies and the clearest proof the Tories can’t be trusted with the NHS. 

"Ministers have left families facing anxious waits for cancer tests and treatment and their complacency is dangerous. We have repeatedly called on the Government to produce a plan to turn things around but we are still waiting. 

"When it comes to cancer, speed is everything. Labour is committed to cancer tests and results within one week to help end this scandal.”