Responding to today's speech by Rishi Sunak, leader of the Conservative Party, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"Trust leaders will welcome the prime minister's ambition to ease pressures on the NHS, but what was missing from today's speech was how this would be achieved given the significant and growing strain on the service.

"The long-term workforce plan was an important step, but we are still waiting to see details of how it will be funded and implemented.

"Good progress has been made on cutting waiting times for those waiting the longest, but we cannot escape the fact that care backlogs are now at a record high.

"Tackling the root causes of growing waiting lists – including staff shortages, funding constraints and the growing demand for healthcare services – is key.

"The absence of a resolution between the government and unions in their pay dispute is also impacting trusts' ability to bear down on backlogs. Both sides must find a way forward.

"We welcome the announcement on banning smoking for future generations. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors affecting other health outcomes and a key driver of health inequalities among those who smoke.

"Greater investment in public health, prevention and social care is vital not only to achieve this goal but to put the NHS on a sustainable footing."