AN MP is demanding free prescriptions for patients with asthma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and cystic fibrosis.

Hereford's Paul Keetch has joined a Westminster protest against the NHS continuing to charge patients who are "chronically ill".

He is hoping to exploit a division in Government ranks following a decision by the ruling Labour-group in the Welsh Assembly to end the charges.

Campaigners point out this will create a "postcode lottery" and have urged the Labour party at Westminster to follow the Welsh lead.

Liberal Democrat Mr Keetch said the Government commissioned Wanless report had already described the situation in England as "not logical, nor rooted in the principles of the NHS".

He added Labour had pledged to introduce free prescriptions for those requiring long-term health care before winning the election in 1997 - but had failed to do so.