House of Commons · Westminster Hall
13 February 2025 · 16 other contributors · 14,111 words
Opened by David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Responding minister: Karin Smyth
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
David Mundell raised concerns about hiv testing week in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks for further funding to extend opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments across the UK and calls on the Scottish Government to adopt similar universal approaches.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate coincides with National HIV Testing Week in England. The campaign aims to raise awareness of HIV and promote regular testing among groups most affected by the virus. In Scotland, progress towards ending new HIV cases by 2030 is at risk due to lack of opt-out testing in high-prevalence areas.
Noted a 56% increase in new diagnoses between 2019 and 2023, particularly high rates in London. Highlighted lower testing rates among heterosexual men and women compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Pays tribute to the work of the all-party parliamentary group on HIV/AIDS and supports cross-party efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.
Complimented the personal experiences shared by Kevin McKenna and James Asser, highlighting the importance of moving forward as an HIV-positive individual. Emphasised that testing is not exclusive to gay men but also affects other communities including women. Advocated for increased availability of PrEP.
Pays tribute to charities for their work in raising awareness of HIV; highlights encouraging progress in reducing prevalence, including the achievement of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets; expresses concern over recent increase in new diagnoses among heterosexual men and women.
Emphasised that HIV testing is a cross-party issue and highlighted the success of opt-out testing introduced by the previous Government, which has identified previously undiagnosed cases.
Visited Waverley Care's headquarters and highlighted historical challenges faced by the LGBT community. Emphasised the importance of dedicated HIV testing weeks and opt-out testing in Scotland to meet UK targets, urging the Minister to write to the Scottish Government for support.
The MP commends David Mundell for his remarks and highlights the importance of normalising HIV testing, especially in difficult-to-reach groups. She supports the idea that taking a test can be done safely within one's own home. Highlights the disproportionate impact on black communities and commends work by London HIV Prevention Programme to address disparities. Committed to her hon. Friend's speech, mentioning the potential of injectable PrEP and reflecting on experiences with HIV-positive patients. Asked the Minister to follow Wales's example of year-round online testing access.
Praised National HIV Testing Week and the Prime Minister's participation; shared his long-standing advocacy for fighting stigma around HIV and the progress made in treating it as a manageable condition.
Welcomes Labour's commitment to a new HIV action plan expected by summer and highlights success stories from his previous role in Lambeth, including opt-out testing.
Notes a significant increase in testing but concerns over rising new cases linked to drug use, calls for action against needle sharing.
Noted the importance of reducing stigma, shared updates on HIV Testing Week achievements, and committed to learning from best practices across the UK.
Expressed gratitude towards everyone involved in HIV/AIDS efforts, shared personal reflections on living through the AIDS pandemic era as a gay man, and highlighted improvements in HIV treatment over time. Stressed the importance of widespread testing to prevent stigma and suffering; suggested opt-out testing for other diseases as well.
Discussed Wales' role in HIV response, praised the Terrence Higgins Trust's work, and highlighted the importance of home testing kits. Called for opt-out testing in Welsh A&E departments and asked to unlock PrEP availability outside sexual health clinics.
Emphasised the need to promote regular HIV testing, especially among those most affected by HIV, and stated that we are not on track to meet the goal of ending new transmissions of HIV by 2030.
Praised the work of the Terrence Higgins Trust and the Lawson unit at Royal Sussex County hospital for their efforts in ending new transmissions of HIV. Highlighted opt-out testing in emergency departments since March 2022.
Discussed the global fight against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the role of human rights in reducing HIV rates and the importance of UK leadership on this issue.
Government Response
Karin SmythThe Minister for Secondary Care
Acknowledged the work of charities and organisations in making National HIV Testing Week a success. Highlighted the progress towards achieving no new HIV transmissions by 2030, noting the revolutionised HIV testing process that is fast, free, and available even at No. 10 Downing Street. Committed to extend the national HIV prevention programme until March 2026 with an additional £1.5 million, highlighted the importance of reducing stigma, shared updates on HIV Testing Week achievements, and committed to learning from best practices across the UK.