Will I need a vaccine passport?

One question the Prime Minister was asked was whether individuals will need to have a 'vaccine passport' to be able to travel abroad or even attend large events such as concerts and stadium matches.

A 'vaccine passport' would mean being able to prove you have had your vaccinations protecting against coronavirus.

Read also: First look at set for 'Tom Hanks' and 'Spielberg' television show set in Oxfordshire

Will I need a 'vaccine passport' for going abroad?

When asked about the possibility of introducing this passport system, he said that it may be possible that to travel to certain countries you may need to prove you have had your vaccine, in the same way, some countries require proof you have had a vaccination against yellow fever or dengue fever. 

Will I need a 'vaccine passport' for within the UK?

With regards with using 'Covid passports' domestically, within the UK, the Prime Minister said he would need to consult with his Government ministers.

Mr Johnson said the Government wanted to determine whether offering 'Covid status certificates' could help venues to open again and help the UK economy.

Yet he also expressed concerns that this system may become 'discriminatory'.

Earlier on today, in his address to the House of Commons, the Prime Minister confirmed that a study into the use of vaccine and testing certificates will be one of four reviews conducted as part of easing the current restrictions.

Outlining each review in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson said: “The third review will consider potential role of Covid status certification in helping venues to open safely.

“We are mindful of the many concerns surrounding the exclusion, discrimination and privacy.”

Read here: Fire service called out to a car crash

The four reviews, which will include looking at the current social distancing measures and how to increase international travel, are investigating matters upon which ministers do not currently feel they have enough data or information.

The findings of the vaccine passport probe are hoped to be available before stage four of the lockdown easing on June 21 is reached – the earliest date by which ministers hope all restrictions can be lifted.

If the review signs off on the use of Covid status certificates, it could mean venues or businesses could deny someone access if they cannot provide evidence that they have been vaccinated against or tested negative for coronavirus.

Officials have admitted that the review, especially into allowing those who have been vaccinated to have increased rights, poses both moral and ethical questions, as well as practical difficulties.

As well as looking at whether vaccines could enable people to return to a sense of normality, the review will also look at the viability of allowing people to show evidence of a negative test to gain access to a venue.

Campaign group Liberty warned that vaccine passports could create a 'two-tier society'.

Senior ministers have frequently appeared to dismiss the idea of introducing vaccine passports in the UK.

Nadhim Zahawi, the Government’s vaccine minister, labelled them 'discriminatory' as ministers looked to persuade the public to take up the offer of a jab without the threat of being barred from entering hospitality or other venues if they do not get inoculated against Covid-19.