Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer receives Covid vaccine

Jab administered to 58-year-old at Francis Crick Institute in central London

Tom Batchelor
Sunday 14 March 2021 17:55 GMT
Comments
UK Covid-19 vaccinations: Latest figures

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has received his first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

The 58-year-old had the jab at the Francis Crick Institute in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency.

The mass vaccination centre is one of five across north central London set up by University College London Hospital.

Sir Keir was invited to receive his vaccine alongside his age group according to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s prioritisation list.

Last week people aged 56 to 59 were invited to have their jabs.

Sir Keir, who has encouraged the public to volunteer at vaccination centres as part of Labour’s “Let’s Vaccinate Britain” campaign, said: “I am so grateful to the staff and volunteers at the Francis Crick Institute for their warm welcome and exceptional work throughout the pandemic.

“From the help they gave our local hospitals with testing last year, to this vaccination centre, they have been at the forefront of efforts to support our NHS and keep our community safe.

“It has been such a difficult year and the vaccination programme is the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The vaccine is safe, effective and I urge everyone in our community to take it when it’s their turn.”

Sir Keir receives his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine from midwife Emily Malden at the Francis Crick Institute in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency
Sir Keir receives his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine from midwife Emily Malden at the Francis Crick Institute in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency (PA)

Several political leaders have already received their jabs, including Tony Blair, 67, Theresa May, 64 and David Cameron, 54.

On Friday, Tory MP Nigel Evans received his jab from fellow MP Andrew Stephenson, who is volunteering at a vaccination centre.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in