In recent weeks, Prime Minister Borris Johnson was called out for bluffing backing increased use of domestic vaccine passports in hopes to increase vaccine uptake in the UK.
Most recent figures have shown slowing vaccination rates among younger people.
Likely prompted out of concern, on July 19th the Prime Minister announced that for him to allow nightclubs to reopen, they must do the socially responsible thing, therefore “an NHS COVID pass will be required as proof of double vaccination, or proof of a negative COVID test or natural immunity will be required as a means of entering night clubs.”
The Prime Minister also stated, ” I should serve notice now that by the end of September when all over 18s have had their chance to be double jabbed, we’re planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather.”
Additionally, he reminded viewers that the government reserves the right to “mandate certification at any point if it’s necessary to reduce transmission.”
Following Boris Johnson’s announcement, UK’s vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi made a statement in the commons that sporting and business events, music venues, festivals and nightclubs were all settings that ministers are “most concerned about” in terms of the spread of COVID-19.
Mr Zahawi announced that MPs would vote on whether the government would decide to “mandate the double vaccination requirement.”
He explained that the NHS COVID pass will be a certificate of health status available within the NHS app, NHS website or per mail with a request for a written document. The use of this pass over the summer, starting with nightclubs, is how the government is attempting to manage the risk of infections while they decide where else to mandate proof of vaccine status further.
Mr Zahawi noted that it would be “hugely unfair” to implement such a policy straight away and that giving people until the end of September is “the right thing to do”. Especially considering that the delayed timeframe would allow those over 18 to “take up the offer of both jabs”.
Such statements have sparked confusion, frustration and backlash
Liberal Democrats campaigned for parliament to be recalled from summer recess to debate proposals to enforce the use of an NHS pass.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey wrote a letter personally to the Prime Minister, accusing the government of “committing to vaccine passports by stealth” and warned that the actions were deceitful and a recipe for disaster.
Mr Davey pointed out that since Boris Johnson and Mr Zahawi’s statements, much uncertainty as to how other businesses or churches will be expected to decide who can or cannot pass through their doors has emerged with the potential to cause significant chaos.
Accusing the current buzz around the topic from the parliament of being a botched and a rushed scheme: Davey stated that “the nation is calling out for leadership, not deception.” and challenged parliament to own their decision to enforce NHS COVID passes and put it to vote.
Much debate still surrounds the enforcement of vaccine passports for more day-to-day life. Fears of creating a two-class society and risks of preventing access to health services, dentistry and supermarkets have been expressed to the media by several political figures.
Many accuse the Prime Minister and Mr Zahawi of backhandedly targeting young people and attempting to increase vaccine uptake, with no real intent to enforce COVID passports at the end of September.
Shadow health secretary of the Labour’s party, Jonathan Ashworth openly questioned the motives behind the delay in introducing COVID passports asking: “Can he (Mr Zahawi) explain why he thinks it is safe to go clubbing till the early hours this Friday, but in September it’s only safe if everyone is double jabbed?”
While it is still uncertain if a COVID passport will be enforced for more day-to-day life, several Conservative MPs have told Sky News that they do not think the government would follow through with a mandate, and recently more than 40 Conservatives have signed a declaration from the campaign group Big Brother Watch expressing opposition to the idea.
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