SOUTH Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton this week joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – and tested himself for HIV.

The Labour representative joined fellow parliamentarians in completing a self-test for the virus as part of national HIV testing week.

“It’s great to be able to demonstrate how quick and easy testing for HIV is,” Mr Hatton said. “There should be absolutely no stigma around HIV testing.”

The awareness campaign follows the Labour Government’s commitment to end all new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a HIV Action Plan set to be published later this year.

“I am determined that South Dorset play its part in reaching this important target,” Mr Hatton went on.

“We must identify the estimated 4,700 people living with undiagnosed HIV in England so they can access life-saving care. This is why I want to encourage anyone who believes they may need a test to order one.”

Once diagnosed, people living with HIV can access free effective treatment, meaning they can have a normal life expectancy and can’t pass on the virus.

Richard Angell OBE, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “England can be the first country in the world to end new HIV transmissions, but we are not yet on track to do so.

“Scaling up HIV testing will be critical to that shared goal. We are so pleased that Lloyd is committed to this mission.”

Free HIV home-testing kits will be available to order from www.startswithme.org.uk.