AN MP claims Dorset's biggest vaccination centre is closing early due to a lack of people turning up for jabs.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said he is "so frustrated" that the Bournemouth International Centre is not operating to capacity.

And he claims GPs are encouraging patients to wait to have their vaccinations at the surgery because they are paid £20 per jab.

Mr Ellwood has been working as a volunteer at the Bournemouth International Centre.

He said: "It is really frustrating to see an asset that is able to vaccinate 1,500 people per day having to close early and not be able to meet its thresholds.

"There is a battle with the GPs who are saying do not go to the BIC. It is, of course, because the GPs get paid £20 per jab."

Mr Ellwood said he appreciates that many people would prefer to use their GP services but added: "Let's all work together. GPs need to wake up and recognise that we need to work together.

"Let's use the BIC as this amazing hub and utilise our volunteers - we need to open it up. Let's get more people through the door."

The BIC is one of scores of special centres opened up across the county to help with the Covid-19 vaccination programme.