It has been clear for some time that the Government had to address health inequalities by making it easier to access services for all members of society. Evidence has shown that access to health services has not been equal, with areas of high deprivation suffering the most. In the 21st Century this is just not acceptable.

It is therefore splendid news to hear the announcement this week from the Department of Health (DoH) that over 50 per cent of GP surgeries are now offering patients extended opening hours.

Statistics released by DoH show that in under six months there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of practices offering more flexible early morning, evening and weekend opening.

The result is that GPs have met the challenging Government target of 50 per cent of practices offering extended opening hours three months earier than the end of year deadline.

At the end of September, over 51 per cent of the 8,275 GP practices in England were offering extended opening hours.

The initiative for extended GP opening hours follows changes to the GP contract agreed with the British Medical Association in March, where the local NHS worked with family doctors in each area of the country to agree arrangements for extra weekend and/or evening opening.

The Government has recognised that for many people like the self-employed or hourly paid workers, seeing a GP during the working day can impact on their pay packet.

It is easy to say you should always seek medical advice as soon as possible if you have health concerns but it can be a difficult choice if it affects the Pound in your pocket and this government doesn’t find that acceptable.

Delivering the best possible services to patients that fit with their lives is a key priority. Thanks to Labour we are offering a greater choice of services closer to people's homes in line with the Government's own healthcare strategy.

In the year when we celebrate its 60th anniversary the NHS still provides local services for local people; a healthcare for the 21st Century.

Sixty years on, we still have free access to high-quality healthcare and people feel safe in the knowledge that if they or their family need the NHS, it is there for them.

Barnet has over 50 per cent of practices delivering improved access and I hope the number increases. Early detection and prevention through improved access to GP services will save lives.