‘The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been warned against scrapping free lateral flow tests, with one doctor stating it’s the “definition of stupidity”.
Experts have slammed the decision despite reports of Boris Johnson’s plans to scrap lateral flow tests. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who is also the Labour MP for Tooting, tweeted about the shocking revelation.
The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Lateral flow tests must remain freely available otherwise, as usual, those with the least will be hit hardest.
When will this Government learn? https://t.co/oev3ci2rUr— Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (@DrRosena) January 9, 2022
She said: “The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Lateral flow tests must remain freely available otherwise, as usual, those with the least will be hit hardest. When will this Government learn?”
Similarly, SNP’s Ian Blackford tweeted: “Nothing should surprise us from the Govt of @BorisJohnson but the threat of removing free lateral flow tests is madness. These tests are an important defence to help restrain the growth of cases. This would be highly irresponsible.”
Nothing should surprise us from the Govt of @BorisJohnson but the threat of removing free lateral flow tests is madness. These tests are an important defence to help restrain the growth of cases. This would be highly irresponsible. https://t.co/hRt5RPjVTM
— Ian Blackford 🇺🇦🏴 (@Ianblackford_MP) January 8, 2022
The sentiment was echoed by Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham, who urged the PM to “Keep lateral flow tests free”.
Keep lateral flow tests free! https://t.co/VzKEEIqels
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 8, 2022
Dr Frances Ryan said that free lateral flow tests “are one of the few things making the pandemic slightly less terrifying for clinically vulnerable”.
Free lateral flow tests are one of the few things making the pandemic slightly less terrifying for clinically vulnerable people. Removing it takes away a vital protection for millions of people already severely limiting their social contact – and at a time of a spreading variant.
— Frances Ryan (@DrFrancesRyan) January 8, 2022
She added that: “Removing it takes away a vital protection for millions of people already severely limiting their social contact – and at a time of a spreading variant.”
It is believed that the new system would mean free lateral flows are only provided to high-risk settings like care homes, hospitals, and schools. People with symptoms would also receive free tests amid reports of NHS Test and Trace being scaled back.
A senior Whitehall source said: “I don’t think we are in a world where we can continue to hand out free lateral flow tests to everybody for evermore. It’s likely we will move to a scenario where there is less testing but where we have a capacity to ramp it up if necessary, such as in the winter.”
Related links:
- Man’s four tests in 24 hours to show just how quickly lateral flows turn positive
- The people most likely to suffer long Covid, according to new data
- Leading British anti-vaxxer hospitalised with covid
