Two thirds of Brits worried about long A&E waits as winter crisis sets in

EMBARGO: 2230 Friday 19th December 2025

• 67% are worried that there may be long waits in A&E departments up and down the country over the winter months, new data commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals
• Over half also worry that if they called an ambulance it wouldn’t come on time, and that the NHS may not cope through what looks set to be a difficult winter.
• Liberal Democrats have labelled the unfolding crisis in the NHS a “national emergency” and are calling on the Prime Minister to hold launch an emergency flu vaccination drive in community spaces

Polling commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has found two thirds (67%) of Brits are worried about long A&E waits over the winter period, with over half (51%) of those surveyed also worrying about ambulances arriving late and lacking confidence in the NHS’s ability to cope.

Those over 55 are the most concerned about potentially lengthy A&E waits, with 70% saying it worried them, as previous House of Commons Library data analysed by the party found 2025 was set for the worst wait times on record.

The polling also revealed the majority (52%) of the public aren’t confident an ambulance would come on time if it was called out in an emergency, with similar proportions (51%) having concerns the NHS simply won’t be able to cope with the pressures this winter. Hospitalisations from flu have risen dramatically in the weeks leading up to Christmas, putting more pressures on services.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for emergency measures to protect patients over winter, including universal access to NHS flu vaccines in community spaces across England, an appeal for retired doctors to work winter shifts and regular COBRA meetings chaired by the Prime Minister. The party would also provide funding for GPs to stay open longer, 7 days a week in the worst hit areas so fewer people turn to A&E, and for a dedicated winter discharge unit to help people out of hospital who are medically fit to leave. 

Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson, Helen Morgan MP, said:

“These findings lay bare just how frightened people are about the crisis facing our A&E departments this winter.

“The crisis facing our NHS is an emergency. For far too many people, there is a real danger that an ambulance won’t come on time, or that they may spend hours waiting in A&E because our NHS has been pushed to breaking point.

“Time and time again Liberal Democrats have warned the Government to act to prevent another winter of long trolley waits and corridor care - only an emergency package of support can shore up our NHS through the cold months ahead.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Polling from Savanta available here.

Data on 2025 A&E wait times set to be the worst on record here.