Thread by @JonAshworth

1. Last night I finished #ItsASin @russelldavies63, the director, amazing cast have given us a beautiful gift with #ItsASin. The 80s music, the politics, the friendship. Perfect. Fun but also serious. By episode 3 (no spoilers) I was in bits. Tears continued until the end #La

2. I’ve never worried sex could result in a death sentence. Even as the child of an alcoholic, have never had that sense of loneliness, nor fear of dying alone. Nor had my life stigmatised. While HIV can affect everyone, #ItsASin demonstrates why it lives in the LGBT experience

3. Thankfully the HIV/AIDS of the #ItsASin period is very different to HIV today – it is not a death sentence, those diagnosed early have normal life expectancy, those on treatment CANT PASS IT ON, and we have a HIV prevention drug #PrEP to help people stay negative.

4. It is now possible to end new cases of HIV in the UK. My Welsh colleague @vaughangething was the first UK health secretary to make it government policy, England and Scotland have followed his lead. We must turn this possibility and policy into reality #0HIVby30

5. A Labour government led by @Keir_Starmer will meet his goal, in fact we want to be first country to make this happen. We have a blue print – the @THTorguk @NAT_AIDS_Trust @ejaf HIV Commission – that we would implement and resource

https://twitter.com/thtorguk/status/1333730514805600258?s=21

6. The government’s promise of a HIV Action Plan by summer is welcome. To be worthy of its name it must be inspired by the HIV Commission, include annual reporting to @UKParliament and meet these 5 basic pillars:
1. Fund opt-out HIV testing across the NHS

7. 2. #PrEP available beyond sexual health clinics – in the Core GP Contract, available in pharmacies (via a PGD) & better known by all
3. Action on late diagnoses and returning patients to care
4. A massive anti-stigma campaign
5. Mental health support for those living with HIV

8. I fear the government’s cuts to the public health grant – resulting in a 25% less sexual health spending – means we are trying to meet this goal with our hands tied. It’s time to fully fund public health services. Will @RishiSunak put his money where is mouth is?

9. In National HIV Testing Week I will take a HIV test – you should too. Order your test at startswithme.org.uk #HIVtestweek

In addition, @LGBTLabour have not one but two events with @THTorguk & @AlexNorrisNN. Sign up now: lgbtlabour.org.uk/Events

10. Finally, get your #ItsASin inspired #La T-shirt from Labour’s very own @philipnormal. £20/T-shirt goes to @THTorguk, helping people living with HIV & their campaigns for change. He has sold 3000 already raising over £60k #proud 👏

Get a T-shirt here: philipnormal.shop/collections/ph…