Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the vaccine and access to pubs once they re-open.

I have stated many times that I am strongly opposed to any form of internal 'COVID passport' or 'certificate' once restrictions are being lifted and our economy and our society is allowed to re-open.

A 'COVID passport' might make sense to facilitate international travel across borders to prevent the spread of the virus, but within the United Kingdom people must be free to leave their homes and patronise businesses and other public places as they see fit within reason.

People are well aware of the health risk to themselves and to others and the number of people behaving irresponsibly is actually quite small.

COVID-status certificates raise complex ethical and discriminatory issues that would need to be worked through as well as questions about the role the private sector might play. These are things I know the Government and the Prime Minister are conscious of and I welcome the fact that the Government is considering these issues fully as part of the review.

I am incredibly proud of the progress that the UK is making in vaccinating the population, with over half of adults receiving their first dose by 20 March, and I am delighted that the programme remains on track to achieve the target of offering all over-50s the jab by 15 April.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP