Labour MPs Luke Pollard and Taiwo Owatemi teamed up with the Terrence Higgins Trust to do a live HIV finger test on camera last week, in order to help reduce stigma around HIV testing.

More than 40 Labour MPs have been “giving HIV the finger” during National HIV Testing Week to encourage constituents to get tested and to help the ambition backed by Labour to end the domestic HIV epidemic by 2030.

Anyone in England can order a free HIV home test kit via the It Starts With Me website. They are also available from HIV Self Test Scotland, Frisky Wales or Positive Life in Northern Ireland. National HIV Testing Week this year saw records break with the number of tests ordered, likely inspired by the Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin.

Commenting on the matter, Luke said:

“I’m proud to support National HIV Testing Week and play my part to end HIV stigma. As I saw for myself, HIV testing is now quick, easy, and pain-free.

 

“The huge progress in the fight against HIV and normalising HIV testing is one way all of us can take the country forward to ending new cases of HIV full stop by 2030.

 

“Like the millions of others, I’ve been moved to tears after watching It’s A Sin and it’s fantastic this is now having a real-life impact with record-breaking orders for home HIV test kits.

 

“As Plymouth’s first openly gay MP, I’m determined to ensure the city’s LGBT+ communities hear about HIV Testing Week and know their status, as well as ensuring everyone knows they have a responsibility in the fight against HIV and that starts with ordering a test.”