Rishi Sunak admits to using private healthcare

The prime minister says he has used "independent health care", but told MPs he is registered with a NHS GP.

Rishi Sunak had previously refused to say whether he uses private healthcare, insisting it was "not really relevant".

It followed a press report that Mr Sunak is registered with a private GP practice which charges £250 per consultation.

At PMQs, Mr Sunak praised his local hospital "for the fantastic care they have given my family".

"That's why I'm passionately committed to protecting it with more funding, more doctors and nurses, and a clear plan to cut the waiting lists," he added.

Mr Sunak had told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that his healthcare was "a personal choice".

Registering with an NHS GP does not exclude someone from using private healthcare.

A newspaper report in November suggested Mr Sunak is registered with a private GP practice that offers on-the-day appointments and home visits.

Latest NHS figures show that in November last year, 58% of NHS patients were not seen on the day they made an appointment.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said in response to Mr Sunak's comments that the prime minister "will find out what it's like to wait on hold at 08.00 as you call for an appointment".

Mr Sunak's comments followed Health Secretary Steve Barclay confirming he used an NHS doctor.

Pressed on whether he has NHS care during an interview on LBC , Mr Barclay replied: "Yes, I don't subscribe to private provision.

"But I don't have a problem with people, with their own money, who wish to spend that money on private healthcare.

"I think that is a perfectly reasonable thing for people to want to do."