By Ben Kerrigan-
The British government is aiming to provide official proof of vaccination for millions of British holidaymakers this summer – starting as early as 17 May.
The revelation comes following a visit from Michael Gove to Jerusalem to discuss bilateral travel between the UK and Israel.
A government official reportedly told travel bosses on the Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group: “We aim to give people the ability to prove their vaccine status by the time international travel restarts where other countries require it.”
At present all foreign holidays from the UK without a good reason are illegal, but ministers plan to lift the ban and allow journeys abroad from 17 May.
The plan, revealed just under a month before the expected resumption of international travel, has been objected to by a group of MPs who say it would lead to a two tier society, and be discriminatory against those who refuse it.
Also, The Equality and Human Rights Commission also believe mandatory Covid-19 status certificates – which would provide proof of whether you’ve had two doses of the jab – are “likely to be unlawful”.
They said it could create a situation where people from groups where vaccine take up is lower are barred from social events, venues and even travel.
However, the UK government appears pushing ahead with the plans, especially with other governments planning to insist on Covid passports for international travel.
The idea is to reduce the risk of visitors spreading the virus to other countries who are dealing with their own internal issues of covid-19.
Vaccination passports will mean those who refuse to be vaccinated will be unable to travel to those countries that insist on vaccination, but it could also prevent them from functioning normally in society.