38m patients in England wait beyond 14 days to see GP despite government pledge

Lib Dems call for rescue plan after data shows people unable to get appointments within period promised by ministers

More than 38 million patients in England have waited longer than a fortnight for a GP appointment since the government promised everyone would be able to get one within 14 days.

In September last year, the government said patients would be able to see a family doctor within two weeks of booking a consultation. Therese Coffey, the then health secretary, promised to prioritise the issue with a laser-like focus".