Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie said she was pleased after the government cut 'unnecessary' red tape which required coronavirus vaccination volunteers to train in anti-terrorism, conflict resolution and fire safety.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons he had scrapped the training modules on Wednesday morning, which were making it more difficult for retired health workers to help with the vaccine effort.

Before Wednesday, volunteers had to complete modules in eighteen different training areas.

Welcoming the change, Siobhan Baillie said: “I am pleased that common sense has prevailed and some online training modules are removed for these urgent times.

“It means more volunteers can be available to ensure vulnerable people in Stroud, the Valleys and Vale are inoculated.

“We have a massive task ahead of us to make sure as many of the country’s vulnerable are vaccinated as quickly as possible. Nothing must get in the way that is not absolutely necessary during this emergency.”

A mass vaccination centre opened in Ashton Gate football stadium yesterday, home to Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears, with invitations being sent to people aged over 80 who live within a 45 minute drive.

In Parliament, Mr Hancock said he was a fan of “busting bureaucracy” and agreed it was not necessary to train in anti-terrorism to inject a vaccine.