Moray MP Douglas Ross raised concerns about low testing rates in Scotland during a statement in the House of Commons today (Tuesday). Given the low figures confirmed by the Scottish Government, the Moray MP asked the UK Health Secretary whether more support could be given to the Scottish Government to help them fill the capacity of testing that is available.

Commenting, Douglas said: “It’s staggering that in Scotland we have capacity to carry out 15,500 tests for Covid-19 a day, yet the SNP Government’s most recent daily figure shows they have managed less than 3,000.

“This a woeful and alarming figure when we have care homes in Moray struggling to get tests for staff and residents and others who have had trouble accessing tests as well.  The UK Government has assisted the SNP administration throughout this crisis to enable them to use their capacity and I’m pleased the UK Health Secretary agreed to continue to do everything we can to support the Scottish Government.

“Testing is an important tool as we continue to fight Covid-19 and it worries me that Scotland is being left behind because of the lack of tests despite the significant capacity that is available. The SNP Scottish Government need to ensure they do better for the people of Scotland when it comes to testing.”