Health Secretary Matt Hancock has taken a Covid-19 test in Parliament to highlight the expansion of workplace facilities to assess the status of staff.

Mr Hancock – who tested negative for coronavirus – visited the facility with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

Sir Lindsay said: “While we have asked Members to participate in business virtually, and House staff on the estate to be kept to a bare minimum, we have to accept that some people need to be here.

“So, I am really pleased we are now in a position to enable every MP and staff member the chance of a test, to help stop this awful virus in its tracks.”

Mr Hancock told MPs: “Across the whole country we’re expanding workplace testing, including here in Parliament itself.

“This morning you (Speaker) and I together visited the new Covid testing site in Parliament… I took a test this morning, thankfully negative.”