Cabinet splits emerge over ‘living with Covid’ strategy and free testing

Sajid Javid expected to push to retain some free testing against Treasury demand to slash budget

Cabinet splits have emerged over the government's living with Covid" strategy, with Sajid Javid expected to push to retain some free testing and community surveillance of the virus in the face of a Treasury demand to slash the budget.

Ministers including the health secretary and the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, are expected to meet on Thursday to discuss the strategy before it is announced next week.