The Liberal Democrats have highlighted a critical crisis in the NHS, revealing that there were 10.3 million waits of four weeks or more for GP appointments in the first seven months of 2024, a 1.7 million increase from the previous year. The party is calling for emergency funding in the upcoming budget on October 30, with demands for a legal right to a GP appointment within a week and 24 hours for urgent cases. Sir Ed Davey, the party leader, criticized both the Conservative and Labour parties for failing to adequately address the NHS's challenges, asserting that the situation is particularly dire in regions like Gloucestershire and Yorkshire. The Royal College of GPs has acknowledged the tireless efforts of family doctors but warned that the workforce is insufficient to meet growing patient demands. The Liberal Democrats have proposed a significant increase in GP numbers, citing that 8,000 additional doctors would be necessary to meet their appointment goals. The rise in appointment waits is expected to surpass last year's record of 17.6 million, further intensifying the urgency for reform and funding in the healthcare system.