John Reid has insisted that no GP surgeries will be forced to close under Labour.

The health secretary claimed that the government was pursuing an agenda that would result in "more GPs than ever before and more GP practices than ever before".

He said that single GP practices would not be forced out of work but added that groups of "entrepreneurial" doctors would be able to set up "super surgeries" providing services which traditionally have been available only in hospitals.

Michael Taylor, chairman of the Small Practices' Association, said single-handed GPs are being forced into larger premises as part of the government’s programme to refurbish surgeries.

Meanwhile, a report from the Commons public accounts committee has found that waiting times in hospital accident and emergency departments have improved, but patients still wait too long.

The Mirror claims that the Conservatives are planning to axe the NHS Direct phone helpline.