London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jun 20, 2025

Covid in Wales: England alone cannot end free tests - minister

Covid in Wales: England alone cannot end free tests - minister

"England alone" cannot decide to scale back or end free lateral flow tests for Covid, Wales' health minister has said.

Eluned Morgan warned such a move for England, by UK ministers, would affect Wales, which had paid for many tests already.

Wales, and the other devolved governments, had sent "clear messages" to the UK government on this, she said.

Earlier, a UK minister said ending free tests was the "direction of travel", with an announcement due "shortly".

Huge numbers of lateral flow tests (LFTs) are used daily across the UK, for example by people working in education, health and social care, and by those visiting vulnerable friends and relatives.

But there have been numerous reports in recent days that the UK government is reviewing the free tests, under plans to "live with Covid" in England, expected to be unveiled next week.

It has been suggested that the UK Treasury is seeking to save billions of pounds by scaling back free testing.

Ms Morgan told BBC Wales: "There's been some very clear messages given to the UK government on this, both from us here in Wales, but also from the other devolved administrations.

"There is another meeting this week to discuss this very issue, to make sure that they understand that actually, all the decisions can't be made by England alone, that there's an impact on us and also that actually, we've paid for a lot of the provisions that they are providing already."

Eluned Morgan said the free tests issue will be discussed with UK ministers this week


Earlier, speaking on Sky News, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey was asked if free lateral flow tests were going to be taken away.

He replied: "I think that that is the direction of travel but the prime minister will shortly announce his conclusions on that.

"I understand the concern, I have vulnerable relatives and there's a reassurance in taking a test to know that you've not got Covid before you go to visit them, and for the time being tests remain available."

He added: "The reality is we're moving to a different phase of this now, and I think it is probably time to reconsider whether or not some of the measures that have been in place for the last 18 months need to endure."

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
UK Deploys RAF Jets to Middle East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Two Skydivers Die in 'Tragic Accident' at Devon Airfield
Sainsbury's and Morrisons Accused of Displaying Prohibited Tobacco Ads
UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Families Seek Closure After Air India Crash
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
Trump's Military Parade Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Challenge Trump's Leadership
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Germany Holds First Veterans Celebration Since WWII
U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
×