Commenting on reports that NHS A&E waiting times have hit the worst levels on record, Vince Cable, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

“This is yet more evidence of the growing crisis in our health and social care services, where staff are being put under great pressure and quality of care for patients is suffering. When will the Government wake up to the fact that they urgently need to commit additional funding?

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party being honest with the public that we will all need to chip in a little more by increasing income tax by a penny in the pound and ring-fencing that money specifically for the NHS and social care, as well as looking to bring health and care funding together into one dedicated tax in the longer term.

“We have also urged the Government to bring together a cross-party convention on health and care, to consult with patients, the public and staff on the longer term funding settlement for these vital services.”