Sir Keir Starmer has taken an HIV test in an effort to help destigmatise checking for the sexually transmitted virus.
The prime minister took the home test at 10 Downing Street to mark the start of HIV Testing Week, and did so alongside soul singer Beverley Knight, who is a strong advocate for HIV awareness.
Sir Keir said: “It’s really important to do it and I’m really pleased to be able to do it. It’s very easy, very quick.”
Richard Angell, chief executive of HIV charity The Terrence Higgins Trust, said he believes Sir Keir is the first prime minister of a G7, European or NATO nation to take an HIV test.
After saying he was “surprised”, the PM added: “Let’s try to encourage other leaders to do the same thing because it’s really important, it’s easy, it’s convenient and it is much better to know.”
Mr Angell said: “It’s an important symbol for people who live with HIV, for fighting the stigma, and to let the public know that tests are free, confidential and easy and available for everyone during this week, and it will make a big difference.”
Around 107,000 people live with HIV in the UK, with approximately 4,700 thought to be unaware of their status.
There is no cure for HIV, which damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. But there are very effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life.
As part of HIV Testing Week, which goes on until Sunday, people can order one of 20,000 free and confidential at-home tests, which provide a result in 15 minutes.
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Sir Keir has pledged to end new transmissions of HIV in England by 2030, and on World Aids Day last year announced £27m for an expanded testing programme in NHS emergency departments.
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Knight became a campaigner for the movement after her friend Tyrone Jamison died of an AIDS-related illness in 2003.
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She said: “Living with HIV today is a world away from the experience that my late best friend Tyrone endured in the early 2000s.
“People living with HIV can now easily know their status, can access effective treatment and live a long, healthy life.
“I wish this was the case for Ty.
“In his memory, I’m using my voice alongside the prime minister to make everyone aware of how easy it is to test.
“People need to hear the crucial message that thanks to effective medication, people living with HIV can’t pass it on, so we can end this epidemic once and for all.”
