The Number 10 spokesperson said "now is not the time to take this policy forward".

During the summer Conservative leadership contest, Mr Sunak pledged to introduce a £10 fine for patients who miss appointments.

The prime minister wants to deliver a stronger NHS and the "sentiment remains people should not be missing appointments", according to his spokesperson.

But they added: "We have listened to GPs and NHS leaders and agreed now is not the time to take this policy forward."

Mr Sunak visited Croydon University Hospital in south London on Friday, where he was quizzed on nurses' pay.

NHS staff including nurses and porters are currently voting on strike action over real terms pay cuts.

Research commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing found that they are working an extra day a week for no more pay.

The data also suggests their wages have fallen 20% in real terms, based on a five-day week.

PM dodges salary question on hospital visit

Dodging a question on nurses' salaries, Mr Sunak said: "It is brilliant to be here at Croydon Hospital, to see the great work of the doctors and nurses here.

"One of the priorities for my government is going to be tackling the COVID backlogs and supporting the NHS.

"We face lots of challenges as a country, but I am confident that we can fix the economy and deliver on the promise of the 2019 manifesto, including having a stronger NHS."

The PM was also confronted by a patient at the hospital, who said it was a "pity you don't pay them more".

Mr Sunak replied by saying: "We're trying," to which the woman responded: "You need to try harder."

As chancellor, Mr Sunak brought in a 1.25% increase in National Insurance to help fund fixing COVID backlogs in health and social care.

His predecessor Liz Truss reversed the measure amid pressure over the cost-of-living crisis.