distract

But despite the best efforts of the home supporters to generate an atmosphere that could distract Europe's players, they thrived, winning the opening hole in the next matches.

Some said the move was merely a ploy by Fico to distract attention from falling poll ratings and unpopular policies.

Conservative shadow communities secretary, Sir James Cleverly, said "Labour have been forced into this announcement to try to distract from the immense damage they are doing to businesses and communities by hiking taxes."

The think-tank is warning the huge efforts being put into reducing waiting times also risks distracting from other priorities in the NHS, including improving access to GPs.

"It really distracts and takes away from the quality of health care that we're able to provide to people," she said.