Gov set to ditch vaccine passport plan

Plans to introduce vaccine passports for access into nightclubs and large events in England will not go ahead, the health secretary, Sajid Javid, has told the BBC.

It was thought the plan was set to be introduced at the end of the month, despite drawing criticism from venues and MPs. 

The vaccine minister defended the plan a week ago, calling it “the best way” to keep the night industry open. 

Under the scheme, people would have been required to show proof – whether of double vaccination, a negative Covid test or finishing self-isolating after a positive PCR test – in order to gain entry to clubs and other crowded events.

However the plan appears to have been shelved, with No 10 stressing it would be kept “in reserve” should it be needed over autumn or winter. 

The Night Time Industries Association had previously criticised plans and as such “welcomed” the announcement.

This is in contrast to Scotland, where they will bring in a vaccine passport for over-18s for entry to nightclubs and many large events from October. In Wales meanwhile ministers will decide next week on whether to introduce the scheme, with no plans in place in Northern Ireland. 

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, Javid said: “We just shouldn’t be doing things for the sake of it or because others are doing, and we should look at every possible intervention properly.

“We’ve looked at it properly and, whilst we should keep it in reserve as a potential option, I’m pleased to say that we will not be going ahead with plans for vaccine passports.”