As we learn to live with this virus, some of life’s most important pleasures and opportunities are likely to be increasingly dependent on vaccination.

For example, there are already countries that require you to be double jabbed as a condition of quarantine free travel and that list seems likely to grow as more countries catch up to our successful vaccination programme.

As we have opened up our economy and society from 19 July, ministers are concerned – as people have been in other countries – by the continuing risk posed by nightclubs and other crowded venues.

I do not want to see nightclubs closed again - as they have elsewhere - but it does means that these settings need to do the socially responsible thing. So for now the Government is asking settings to make use of the NHS COVID Pass which shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or natural immunity – as a means of entry.

While this is not currently mandatory the Government had previously said that it reserved the right to mandate certification at any point, if it was necessary to reduce transmission, and indeed it has now said that by the end of September - when all over 18s will have had the chance to be double jabbed – it is planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather.

I also note comments regarding reports that the Premier League will introduce vaccine passports for the 2021/22 season. Public safety is a priority, so I am encouraged that the Premier League is reviewing the latest guidance and working with clubs, supporters, and the authorities to finalise its protocols ahead of the new season.

As you might be aware, guidance issued by the Government indicates that in order to reduce risk to customers, organisers of large events should ensure customers are able to visit the venue or event safely, and should therefore consider displaying an NHS QR code, and consider using the NHS COVID Pass, amongst a variety of other provisions. This guidance can be found by searching: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19/events-and-attractions

In relation to universities, as I understand it currently no universities within the UK will require incoming students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to university in the Autumn. The Department for Education has announced that there are no plans for proof of vaccine status to be required to attend lectures or stay in halls of residence. However, I welcome the views of Ministers to encourage all students to take up the offer of both vaccine doses as well as for universities and colleges to promote the offer of the vaccine, and they are required to conduct risk assessments for their particular settings.  

In addition, following careful review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the JCVI has recommended that children and young people aged 12 to 15 who live with an immunosuppressed person and all 16 to 17 year olds will now be offered a COVID-19 vaccination. The NHS has been asked to prepare to vaccinate those eligible as soon as possible. The Government has asked the NHS to act on this advice as soon as possible. I am aware that those young people aged 16 to 17 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious COVID-19 have already been offered vaccination. 

I also understand that the Government is developing a means for individuals to demonstrate clinical exemption status. This includes people who have participated in a formally-approved vaccine trail in the UK, including those who are blinded or may have received a placebo, as well as people for whom a clinician has recommended a vaccine deferral or indicated that vaccination is not appropriate and where testing is also not recommended on clinical grounds.

I appreciate the arguments about civil liberties and the use of COVID-status certification, but the Government has been clear that it is not mandating the use of certification in any setting at this point. It is instead encouraging use of the NHS COVID Pass at nightclubs and places where other large crowds gather with a view to making full vaccination mandatory for these settings by the end of the September. I want to take back our freedoms, as we all do, and I believe that use of the NHS COVID Pass in higher risk settings is a socially responsible approach.

This is about protecting people in those settings where the virus is most likely to spread, and vaccines are the best possible way to do this.

We all want this country to be able to enjoy the fruits of our massive vaccination campaign. But to do that we must all remain cautious, and we must continue to get vaccinated.