Vaccine Passports

A number of constituents have contacted me about the issue of ‘vaccine passports.’ I wanted to share some information on this.

First of all, I want to reassure my constituents what is in the idea, and what is not.

The Government has recently run a consultation to gain views on the role of 'Covid-status certification', or vaccine passports, in the UK’s recovery from the pandemic. The Government particularly sought the views from organisations and individuals with relevant expertise as well as those it would impact. Currently, the Government is analysing the feedback it has received and it will report in due course. 

As set out in the Prime Minister’s Covid-19 Roadmap, the Government is looking at whether certification could help to reopen the economy, reduce restrictions on social contact and improve safety.

It would be likely to involve using vaccination data or testing or the presence of antibodies (ie whether you'd had Covid already). 

Secondly, it is not a firm proposal at this stage.  The review will take some time, and plenty of thought, and consensus, to get right. This is something I know the Government and the Prime Minister are conscious of and the Government is considering the very thorny issues fully as part of the review. 

I have noted the concerns that have been raised, and am keen to pass on views from Norwich North.  I believe that it is important all viewpoints are considered.  

The conclusions and the outcome of the review will be set out in advance of step four of the Roadmap, which is currently expected to begin on 21 June. 

I am grateful to all of my constituents who have taken the time to contact me on this extremely important issue.  We are at a very important moment for our country, and as an MP I want to see this tough issue got right.  I am as keen as everyone else will be to return to familiar, normal, free life, and for all my constituents to prosper once again.