Responding to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats on ambulance response times, showing the 18-minute target was missed in every local area but one, Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"Trust leaders' number one priority is delivering timely, high-quality care to patients. No one should have to wait too long for the care they need, especially as conditions could worsen.

"Rising demand, limited resources and vast staff shortages are piling pressure on an already-stretched service, further driving up ambulance waiting times.

"Trust leaders are working very hard to improve the delivery of urgent and emergency care services and meet national recovery targets.

"Ambulance trusts and their system partners are also working together to reduce handover delays and improve response times at a time when demand has never been higher.

"We also urgently need to see more investment in vital services over the long term as well as a commitment to fully fund the NHS long-term workforce plan."