AN MP has criticised the Government for not testing enough people for coronavirus.

In a statement on his Facebook page yesterday, Hove MP Peter Kyle said he had been "relentlessly" feeding back to the Government about the need for improvement with testing.

He said: "We’re simply not testing enough people and without the detailed knowledge of exactly who has it, the job of targeting resources effectively becomes really difficult.

"To illustrate how far we need to go to get on top on this, think about the scale of testing in South Korea: in total since this crisis began, Britain has tested about 70,000 people for the virus and we have been constrained by our ability to procure tests.

"By comparison South Korea produce 100,000 tests per day. Yes, per day."

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Mr Kyle also said he is "very aware" that a large number of residents are experiencing stress because the Government has not yet announced any financial aid schemes for the self-employed during the crisis.

He said: "Government announced support for employees two weeks ago and I’ve been telling ministers privately and in public in the Commons that the imbalance with the self employed needs fixing.

"Norway, Denmark and other countries have already announced schemes and it’s time our Government did too.

"I’ve head from musicians, plumbers, gardeners, web designers, electricians, dog walkers, game developers and so many more. Our local economy is a rich tapestry of incredibly industrious people running small but successful businesses and the business has dried through no fault of their own."

Mr Kyle said he is working "flat-out" to get the Government to provide more protective equipment for NHS staff and care workers without further delay.

He said: "I have now spoken directly to numerous nurses, carers, doctors and plenty of others who care for vulnerable people in hospital and in our community and I have heard in harrowing detail about the lack of suitable equipment."

The Hove MP acknowledged the difficulties of being in lock-down but said it is "really important" Government succeeds in its mission to stamp out coronavirus.

He said: "To do this we’re all going to have to work together.

"We’re living in an age of deep division and partisanship in our politics and society. But in the midst of a crisis on this magnitude, division and tribalism will literally cost lives so there can be no place for it.

"Staying home is easy in theory, but in practice it’s tough.

"Tomorrow I need to be in the Commons as I’ve been selected to ask a question in PMQs, but other than that I’ll be working from home and living by the same rules as everyone else.

"As someone who loathes being cooped up believe me… If I can do it anyone can."

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund.