Covid 19 | Vaccine Passports

On 12th July, when the Prime Minister confirmed that Step Four would be taken on 19th July, he also announced plans in respect of nightclubs and other large events could make use of the NHS’s Covid Pass to verify customers status. Although what constitutes a ‘nightclub’ or ‘large’ event is yet to be defined by the Government.

During an interview on Sunday with the BBC’s Andrew Marr, Nadhim Zahawi the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for COVID-19 Vaccine, confirmed Vaccine passports in nightclubs and other indoor venues in England will be required at the end of this month. This followed a statement from the Prime Minister’s official spokesman last week who confirmed "We set out [in July] broadly our intention to require vaccination for nightclubs and some other settings."

This follows a similar policy announcement by the Scottish Government last week. Wales have indicated they currently have no such plans and Northern Ireland have not yet confirmed their current stance.

The Scottish plans are already facing opposition with Scottish Labour refusing to support the same. It is also reported that many Tory MPs at Westminster oppose the proposal.

Although further details are yet to be published by the Government confirming precisely what form the Vaccine Passports will take, the Prime Minister did say in July, that businesses could make use of the NHS’s Covid Pass to verify customers status. Organisations are already able to ask visitors for proof of COVID-status, as long as they meet existing legal obligations including under equality law. Through the NHS App persons can access their ‘Covid Pass’ to demonstrate their COVID-status. This can be achieved by completion of a full vaccine course, a recent negative test, or proof of natural immunity.

As of this morning, 88.8% of over 16’s have received their first vaccine dose and 79.8% their second.