David Cameron pledges seven-day GP services by 2020

Prime minister David Cameron has unveiled a new pledge to introduce seven-day access to GP services by 2020.

Speaking during the latest Conservative Party conference, the coalition leader revealed plans to spend an additional 100 million pounds from April 2015 to make this a reality if he is re-elected to office in next year's general election.

A pilot scheme was launched last year that has seen a number of surgeries in England offering services from 08:00 to 20:00 seven days a week, as well as offering more telephone and Skype consultations.

It is expected that extending week-long opening hours to all areas by 2020 will cost around 400 million pounds spread over the next five years.

Mr Cameron said: "People need to be able to see their GP at a time that suits them and their family. That's why we will ensure everyone can see a GP seven days a week by 2020."

The NHS is expected to be a key battleground ahead of the 2015 general election, with Labour pledging to reverse many of the reforms the coalition has made in recent years. Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham has already accused Mr Cameron's government of making it harder, not easier, to secure a GP appointment.