Government slammed over GP appointment waiting times: ‘A damning failure’ | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlbert TothMonday 29 December 2025 22:00 GMTTop NHS chief warns public to brace for “tidal wave” of fluNew analysis claims 1.7 million people waited over a month for a GP appointment in November, an increase of 246,625 since the Labour government took office in July last year.Between September and November, 7.6 million patients experienced waits of over four weeks to see a GP, an increase of over 300,000 compared to the same period last year.Every English region has seen an increase in patients waiting over a month, with NHS Northamptonshire recording the largest percentage rise at 47.31 per cent.The Liberal Democrats accused the Labour government of a 'damning failure' regarding GP waiting times and proposed a new legal right for patients to be seen within seven days.The Department of Health and Social Care disputed the analysis, stating the figures are misrepresented and that the government has invested significantly in primary care, leading to increased appointments.In fullMapped: Which areas face longer GP waiting times as figures grow under LabourThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in