Sir Elton John's Call to Action

Sir Elton John, the legendary musician and philanthropist, has called on the UK government to intensify efforts in the fight against AIDS. During a Parliamentary reception to mark the work of his Elton John AIDS Foundation, Sir Elton urged "whoever wins the next general election" to prioritize the goal of eradicating the disease by 2030.

Meeting with Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer

During the event, Sir Elton John posed for photos with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. The two discussed the importance of updating the HIV Action Plan to ensure continued progress in combating the epidemic. Sir Keir pledged to make this a priority once in government.

Recognition for Sir Elton John's Commitment

Sir Elton John's dedication to ending the AIDS epidemic was recognized at the reception, which was hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS. The event, held at the Speaker's House, honored the musician's significant contributions through the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

UK's Opt-Out HIV Testing Expansion

The reception took place shortly after Health Secretary Victoria Atkins announced plans to expand opt-out HIV testing to 46 Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments across the UK. Sir Elton John praised this development as "truly wonderful news," as it will help identify more cases and ensure early intervention and treatment.

Sir Elton John's COVID-19 Relief Fund

In 2020, Sir Elton John pledged £815,000 ($1 million) to a coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund. This fund aimed to support individuals living with HIV who were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The musician made the announcement on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that no HIV patient is left behind during this global crisis.