England vaccine passport plans ditched, Sajid Javid says
(www.bbc.com)https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58535258A scheme for vaccine passports for entry to nightclubs and large events in England will not go ahead, the health secretary has said.
Sajid Javid told the BBC: "We shouldn't be doing things for the sake of it."
He said the government had looked at the evidence, adding: "I'm pleased to say we will not be going ahead."
It was thought the plan, which came under criticism from venues and some MPs, would be introduced at the end of this month.
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.
The Night Time Industries Association warned the plans could have crippled the industry and seen nightclubs facing discrimination cases.
The industry body has since welcomed the latest move, saying it hoped businesses could now plan with some certainty and start to rebuild the sector and regain customers' confidence.
There was also opposition from Tory MPs on the Covid Recovery Group and the Liberal Democrats, whose leader Ed Davey described vaccine passports as "divisive, unworkable and expensive".
