Responding to reports that the publishing of the latest deficit figures from NHS trusts in England could be delayed until after the general election, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Norman Lamb said:

“It would be wrong to try and hide this vital information until after the election.

“The public deserves to know the scale of the financial crisis facing the NHS before they vote.

“The Conservatives are providing far less funding than independent experts have warned the NHS will need. The consequences will be dire for patients, with longer waits and lower standards of care.

“The Liberal Democrats are being honest with the public that to rescue the NHS and care, we will all need to chip in a little more.”