Today, I joined the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a visit to SureScreen Diagnostics here in Derby North, who have secured a new contract for 20 million rapid lateral flow tests, which can provide a result in under 15 minutes and are the first British-made lateral flow tests validated for asymptomatic testing.
The tests will be used as part of the Government’s rapid testing programme, deploying lateral flow tests across the country for those without symptoms, stopping the spread of the virus while also strengthening UK jobs and manufacturing capabilities.
The contract will create 200 additional jobs for Derby residents with roles across the whole production line as well as in the wider UK supply chain.
Increasing asymptomatic testing is hugely important in reducing the transmission of coronavirus and it is vital that everyone continues to follow the rules and comes forward for testing, where possible, whilst we continue our fight against the virus. Lateral flow testing is especially important in our efforts to re-open schools on 8th March.
The Prime Minister also visited the Vaccination Centre at Derby Arena to speak to the amazing staff working there and the wonderful patients who were receiving their vaccines.
I was absolutely delighted to join the Prime Minister in Derby today at SureScreen Diagnostics and I couldn’t be prouder that we have secured such a positive contract with a British manufacturer right here in Derby.
The Prime Minister is absolutely right about Derby being a 15-minute City, the home of innovation and having a fantastic manufacturing and innovation sector, and we remain committed to continuing to work closely with all industries in these areas in the months and years ahead.
You can find more details about the Prime Minister’s visit here: