Justin Madders MP, Labour's Shadow Health Minister, responds to latest Test and Trace numbers

Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, reacting to the latest Test and Trace numbers, said:

“Four months after the test and trace system was set up it is a huge concern that performance continues to go backwards.

“The Government advice has been clear throughout that relaxing lockdown will only be successful if we have a fully functional test and trace system but instead we see it on the verge of collapse.

“Perhaps the biggest problem is that people cannot get tested which means thousands of people are not going into the system in the first place. Ministers must get a grip and fix testing now.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Test turnaround times are increasing with just 33 per cent of in person test results received in 24 hours
• less than 80% of contacts of those who test positive are reached by test and trace https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/918615/test-and-trace-week-15.pdf