Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to NHS England figures showing that the cancer waiting time target has been missed, said:

“David Cameron claimed his NHS re-organisation would improve cancer care. The reality is that he has in fact made it worse.

“Families across England are now facing longer, agonising waits for treatment. Experts are now warning that lives will be put at risk.

“Cancer patients and their families will be waiting to hear an unequivocal pledge from the Prime Minister that he will stop the slide in standards and get cancer services back on track. Nothing less will do.

“This is yet another warning sign of an NHS that is heading in the wrong direction. It is now clear that David Cameron’s re-organisation has caused real damage to patient care and is why so many people will never trust the Tories with the NHS.”