While I understand that a range of options are being considered to encourage people to receive the vaccine, the Government does not plan to make the COVID-19 vaccination mandatory.
As set out in the Government’s Roadmap towards easing restrictions, four programmes of work have been established to consider different aspects of how the UK should handle COVID-19 from summer onwards. One of these is a review into whether COVID-status certification could play a role in reopening our economy, reducing restrictions on social contact and improving safety.
Of course, such COVID-status certificates or passports raise complex ethical and discriminatory issues that would need to be worked through. If introduced it is essential to strike the right balance - I know the Government and the Prime Minister are conscious of this. We can't be discriminatory against people who can't have the vaccine for medical reasons. I welcome the fact that the Government is considering these issues fully as part of the review.
I understand that the review has so far gathered evidence from clinical and ethical experts, as well as businesses and their representative organisations; in addition, the public call for evidence has generated over 50,000 responses representing a wide range of opinions.
It is however right that we rule out no options at this stage. Conclusions and the outcome of the review will be set out in advance of Step four of the Roadmap. You may find my post below of interest and I will of course continue to follow this issue closely: https://www.facebook.com/Robfordelyn/posts/511975513540332