In an earlier statement posted on Animal Rising's website, Packham said he was prioritising his "love for animals above all else" and was stepping down immediately, following the "irrefutable evidence of abuse uncovered".

“It was an open and shut case. The evidence was just irrefutable.”

The chancellor listed what she said was irrefutable evidence that the plans were never going to be delivered.

Groups representing bereaved families said they were horrified, adding it was “irrefutable evidence the NHS was overwhelmed”.

“It was irrefutable. You just didn't realise it.”