The UK Government has today, Wednesday 12 May, opened a new walk-through coronavirus testing centre at Glasgow Green Hockey Centre (G40 1HB).   

The test centre is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history. In Scotland, this comprises eight drive through sites, 47 walk-through sites, 42 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.

In Scotland, the UK Government is providing all COVID testing and test processing outside of the NHS.

PCR tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 119. People should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) or have been instructed to do so by a clinician or NHS contact tracer.

Lateral Flow Test Kits are also now available for pick up without an appointment at the majority of our local walk-in or drive-through test sites from 3.30pm each day. Tests can also be ordered online or by phone by calling 119. For more information and to order a test kit online, go to: Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested in Scotland – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Health Minister Lord Bethell said:

To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart said:

The UK Government continues to provide the bulk of testing in Scotland, a programme which is vital to our recovery from this pandemic. Alongside the roll-out of UK Government-funded vaccines, testing is helping us to manage the virus, slow down the rate of transmission and protect communities.

I’d like to thank the public for continuing to do the right thing by coming forward to be tested if they show symptoms.

This new walk-through facility in Glasgow is the latest in our extensive network of testing centres supporting people in all parts of the UK.

Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said: 

Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and help keep the country running. Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task. A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees and other frontline heroes in Glasgow Green, who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.

Thank you very much, Mr President. It seems an opportune time to thank you both, Martin and Mark, for your indefatigable efforts over the last few years to alleviate the Yemeni people’s suffering and to end this horrific conflict. You have our full support but, just as importantly, so do the teams working so hard with you.

Since Saudi Arabia’s statement of support for a nationwide ceasefire, peace talks, and for the lifting of restrictions on Yemen’s ports and Sana’a airport, the Houthis’ stated commitment to peace has been put to the test. As things stand, they are clearly failing this test.

By refusing to meet the SRSG in Muscat or allowing him to travel to Sana’a, the Houthis have passed up a vital opportunity to show they are ready to work towards peace. They say they are putting the humanitarian situation first, but their actions show they are playing for time to try to take more ground.

If the Houthis were serious about alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people, they would cease their offensive on Marib, which threatens to displace up to one million vulnerable displaced people, and they would remove their restrictions on humanitarian access, which are strangling the humanitarian response. If they were serious about protecting the future generation, they would stop recruiting children to fight and die on their front lines.

If the Houthis were serious about saving the lives of the most vulnerable, they would acknowledge the second wave of COVID sweeping across Yemen and accept COVAX vaccines. If they were serious about the long-term prosperity of the Yemeni people, they would give the UN mission the formal written assurances and permissions to assess and repair the FSO SAFER, to prevent an oil leak that would devastate Yemen’s fishing and farming.

Regrettably, the Houthis have shown they are not serious about peace, or about ending the suffering of the Yemeni people. If this doesn’t change, and change soon, this Council will need to consider stronger actions if we are to achieve peace in Yemen.

Mr President, all of our interests lie in a strong, prosperous Yemen, free from external interference and with an inclusive government. A nationwide ceasefire and Yemeni to Yemeni talks are the only way to achieve this. Until this is possible, we will continue doing all we can to prevent looming famine. We must continue to pressure the Yemeni parties to ensure the free flow of goods and commodities into and through Yemen, and ensure a well-funded UN humanitarian response. But we know that only a serious commitment to peace can banish the spectre of famine for good.

I wish all Yemenis a blessed Eid and I hope the next year brings them the security, stability and peace they deserve.

Thank you, Mr President.