WELSH MPs have sent a letter to the First Minister of Wales over the 'disparity' that exists between England and Wales on Covid-19 testing.

In a letter to Mark Drakeford, 12 MPs express 'alarm' that community testing is only availability in Wales is for symptomatic key workers - or household members.

In England, the UK Government is offering testing in the community to all of the following groups, where symptoms are present: All key workers, including NHS and social care workers; Anyone over 65; Anyone who in employment but whose work cannot be done from home and anyone who lives with someone who falls into one of the above categories.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd and one of the politicians who has put his name to the letter to Mr Drakeford, said: "As a result of this disparity in Covid-19 testing availability, some of my constituents will unnecessarily contract Covid infection, while others will spend avoidable time self-isolating, and off work.

"Of particular concern is the fact that residents in care homes are likely to be placed at unacceptable ongoing risk.

"This is very disappointing and comes in the wake of failings in the dispatch of shielding letters; difficulties for the vulnerable in obtaining priority supermarket assistance; reporting errors for Covid deaths; failure to implement the GoodSAM volunteer programme; rejection of assistance from the Aviation Task Force; and delays in the replication of various UK Government schemes.”

Concern has also been voiced that a different web-based booking system is being developed 'to meet the specific needs in Wales' and that initially it will only serve Cardiff and Newport.

Online bookings are expected to be 'phased in' elsewhere in Wales.

In the letter, MPs say: "Our understanding is that all swab processing in Wales still requires the use of a single laboratory site in Cardiff.

"We would strongly urge you to rapidly develop additional antigen testing sites across Wales and to seek the use of laboratories elsewhere in the United Kingdom to ensure that the people of Wales are not let down in our fight against this pandemic."

As well as Dr Davies, the letter is signed by Sarah Atherton, Wrexham; Simon Baynes, Clwyd South; Alun Cairns, Vale of Glamorgan; Stephen Crabb, Preseli Pembrokeshire; Virginia Crosbie, Ynys Môn; David Jones, Clwyd West; Fay Jones, Brecon and Radnorshire; Robin Millar, Aberconwy; Rob Roberts, Delyn; Jamie Wallis, Bridgend and Craig Williams, Montgomeryshire.