Vaccine passports scrapped as PM prepares to set out Covid winter plan - reports

Scrapping vaccine passports, overhauling travel restrictions and the approval of booster jabs could all be part of Boris Johnson 's plans for managing Covid-19 over the autumn and winter months.

According to media reports, the Prime Minister will use a news conference tomorrow to outline how vaccinations will provide Britain's main defence over the colder months.

Vaccine passports are not expected to be part of his plan after Health Secretary Sajid Javid said plans to introduce them in England for nightclubs and other crowded venues had been scrapped.

The government had previously said vaccine passports would be required.

Reports also claim the traffic light system for international travel will be scrapped, while PCR tests would not be needed for fully-vaccinated arrivals.

The Prime Minister is also expected to approve booster jabs, although it is not clear who will be eligible for the third dose of a vaccine.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “As we set out in our recent report, The Final Hurdle, it is essential for the Government to outline a strategy that will minimise the risk of future lockdowns and give businesses the confidence they need to plan for the upcoming months - hopefully the Prime Minister 's upcoming news conference will fulfil that objective.

“Early analysis from our latest Quarterly Business Report survey reveals that despite the wider upturn in general business activity and confidence, many local firms are still struggling with cash flow and recruitment challenges - so we hope the PM 's plan offers a nuanced blueprint which finds the right balance between continuing to unlock the economy whilst also minimising the spread of the virus.

“As if often the case with this Government, there seemed to contradictory messaging on vaccine passports.

However, I 'm sure those operating in the events sector will breathe a sigh of relief that those proposals have been shelved given the administrative and cost pressures associated with the plan.

“As always, the Chamber will be on hand to provide up to date analysis on what the Government 's plans mean for local businesses in a practical sense as restrictions continue to ease. ”

Read our report 'The Final Hurdle' here.

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