Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to figures published today by NHS England showing half a million more people on the operation waiting list, said:

“This is yet more proof that David Cameron’s NHS reorganisation has failed at every level - waiting lists for operations are at their longest in years. His boasts about low waiting times ring more than a little hollow to these patients.

“They are suffering the direct consequences of Government’s mismanagement of the NHS. Labour left NHS waiting times at a record low and, on Cameron’s watch, the NHS is heading back to the bad old days with patients left waiting months on end for treatment in pain and discomfort.

“It is further proof you can’t trust the Tories with the NHS.”