Sri Lanka, Feb. 10 -- Sir Keir Starmer has taken an HIV test in an effort to help destigmatise checking for the sexually transmitted virus.

The prime minister took the home test at 10 Downing Street to mark the start of HIV Testing Week, and did so alongside soul singer Beverley Knight, who is a strong advocate for HIV awareness.

Sir Keir said: "It's really important to do it and I'm really pleased to be able to do it. It's very easy, very quick."

Richard Angell, chief executive of HIV charity The Terrence Higgins Trust, said he believes Sir Keir is the first prime minister of a G7, European or NATO nation to take an HIV test.

After saying he was "surprised", the PM added: "Let's try to encourage other leaders to do the same thing bec...