Doctors reveal patients are ALREADY demanding ‘vaccine passports’ as Michael Gove launches charm offensive to win over Tories threatening alliance with Lib Dems to vote down plans – as it emerges firm behind troubled NHS contact tracing app is behind plans
- Michael Gove has launched a charm offensive with MPs over vaccine passports
- Minister for Cabinet Office held an hour-long Zoom call with critics of scheme
- Lib Dems to oppose vaccine passports, could work with Tory MPs to block them
- Reports that patients are already asking their doctor for a vaccine certificate
- It emerged NHSX firm behind contact tracing app is working on passport plans
The Government has launched a charm offensive on MPs who oppose domestic vaccine passports amid reports that patients are already asking doctors to provide them with formal proof they have had the jab.
Michael Gove, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, reportedly held an hour-long Zoom call yesterday with Tory, Labour and Lib Dem MPs to discuss so-called ‘Covid status certification’.
The Government is currently conducting a review into how the scheme could work with interim findings due to be published on April 5.
It has been suggested the passports, which are likely to feature a combination of vaccine and testing data, could be used to determine whether people can visit the pub or go to sporting events.
Ministers are facing fierce opposition from some Tory MPs who believe the documents would impinge on civil liberties and privacy.
The Lib Dems are expected to oppose the vaccine passports and it now appears they could work with disillusioned Conservative backbenchers to try to torpedo any plans which are brought forward.
Michael Gove, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, has launched a charm offensive on MPs who oppose domestic vaccine passports
NHSX, the firm behind the troubled NHS contact tracing app, is reportedly involved in developing the vaccine certification. The documents are expected to use a mix of vaccine and testing data and could be used to determine whether people can go to the pub or sporting events
The Government has stressed that no decisions have been made on whether vaccine passports will be introduced or in what circumstances they could be required.
But the fact Mr Gove, who is leading the review, is speaking to MPs to listen to their concerns will be seen as a sign that ministers are set to proceed with the proposals.
The Tory heavyweight also revealed to MPs during the Zoom call that NHSX, the firm behind the troubled development and rollout of the NHS contact tracing app, is looking at how the certificates could work.
One MP told The Times that when Mr Gove made the disclosure: “At that point lots of people on the call said “oh no!”.’
Another MP said: ‘They’ve got to learn from the vaccines rollout and put the business department in charge or get someone from outside. The health department will mess it up.’
The Zoom meeting included Tory lockdown sceptics Mark Harper and Steve Baker from the Covid Recovery Group as well as David Davis, the former Cabinet minister who has warned domestic vaccine passports could be illegal.
Labour and Lib Dem MPs also reportedly took part on the call with Lib Dem chief whip Alistair Carmichael telling Mr Gove that his party will oppose any vaccine passport plans, according to The Guardian.
The Government will face significant opposition in the House of Commons if it does push ahead with the plans.
But the prospect of the Lib Dems and Tory rebels working together to oppose the documents could be hampered if the Government opts to include the measures in the forthcoming Queen’s Speech.
Some Tory MPs have warned that the documents would impinge on civil liberties and privacy while the Lib Dems are also expected to oppose the plans should they be brought forward
That would make it much more difficult for Tory MPs to oppose because voting against a Queen’s Speech – which sets out the Government’s legislative plans for the year ahead – could result in having the whip removed.
Despite the opposition of some MPs, others believe the scheme would be broadly backed by the public if it means life can return to something close to normal.
Tory MP and former minister Andrew Murrison, a GP who has been involved in the vaccine rollout, is said to have told the Zoom meeting that patients had already asked to be provided with proof of vaccination.