An inequality researcher is pushing for free GP visits in a bid to reduce pressure on hospital staff who are currently overwhelmed by demand.

Max Rashbrooke wrote the report - commissioned by the Association of Senior Medical Specialists - arguing the substantial benefits of making doctors visits free would well outweigh the costs.

He told Charlotte Cook hospital doctors have an interest because they are seeing patients who are in a much worse state, because they can't afford to go to their GP before their illness progresses.