Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to reintroduce (a) universal free testing and (b) workplace testing for covid-19.

The success of the COVID-19 vaccination and booster programme and the availability of antivirals has ensured a reduced risk of severe illness or hospitalisation. We have retained the capacity to reintroduce wider testing eligibility in the event of a serious surge in infections or variant of concern during the winter. While there are no current plans for the reintroduction of universal testing or widespread workplace testing, the Government continues to keep the response under review to ensure it remains effective and proportionate.