Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, warned Boris Johnson that it would be an “utterly wrongheaded” approach to dealing with coronavirus.
Labour joined her in urging the prime minister against the move after it was reported they could be limited to high-risk settings – such as care homes, hospitals and schools – and to people with symptoms.
The Sunday Times also said the announcement, which could come within weeks, may include a scaling back of the NHS Test and Trace system.
Downing Street sources disputed the report and said it was too early to say what the future holds for free lateral flows.
Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government had not signed up to the move, but if Mr Johnson was “really considering this” it would be “utterly wrongheaded”.
This story is from the January 09, 2022 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the January 09, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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