Shadow health secretary Dr Liam Fox accused the government of an "indecent and ill-advised fixation with targets".

BBC: Milburn trumpets waiting time cuts

"By arrogantly insisting on the most expensive scheme of all and crudely dismissing attempts by the Conservatives and others to suggest alternatives, the Lib-Lab pact stand accused of gross incompetence and an indecent disregard for the public finances, " he said.

BBC: Passenger boarding a train