Prime minister Theresa May wants England to have an opt-out system for organ donation.

This means it will be presumed an adult’s body can be used in transplants in the absence of permission.

Currently anyone who wants to donate their organs has to opt in by registering to have a donor card.

The opt-out system has been welcomed by doctors and health charities and has already been introduced in Wales.

Mrs May told the Tory party conference in Manchester: “Our ability to help people who need transplants is limited by the number of organ donors that come forward.

“That is why last year 500 people died because a suitable organ was not available. And there are 6,500 on the transplant list today.

“So to address this challenge that affects all communities in our country, we will change that system. Shifting the balance of presumption in favour of organ donation.”

The British Medical Association said Mrs May’s announcement had the potential to save many lives.