AN MP has voiced fears that the NHS is under severe strain as new figures claim emergency waiting times are soaring.

Haslingden and Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said figures showing ‘unacceptable’ numbers were waiting more than four hours.

Mr Jones spoke out as health think tank the King’s Fund revealed more than 300,000 patients waited for four hours or longer during the first months of the year.

He said: “Public, patients and hospitals are suffering because of the mishandling of the NHS. During the 2010 election campaign, Cameron appeared on billboards claiming that the NHS would be safe in his hands.

“Since then Accident and Emergency waiting times have rocketed and an unacceptable number of people waiting more than four hours.”