Prime Minister Gordon Brown today welcomed a decision by GPs to accept extended opening hours despite doctors making it clear their hand had been forced.
GPs accepted a set plan to work extra hours but 98% of those in a poll said the Government’s method of negotiation was "not acceptable".
The British Medical Association (BMA) said there had been "an overwhelming loss of faith" among the profession in Government policy and its ability to improve the health service. But Mr Brown said in a statement: "I welcome this commitment from GPs to extend opening into evenings and weekends and improve access to vital GP services for millions of patients.
"These improvements are critical if the NHS is to deliver more personal services and better focus on preventing ill health at an early stage.
"Our task is now to work with GPs to implement these reforms."
