Vaccine passport welcomed by majority

THREE out of four people

(75%) would be willing to carry proof they have been vaccinated if it meant they could travel, a new survey suggests.

The poll indicated that acceptance is highest among people aged over 65 (89%), who have been offered Covid-19 jabs ahead of most younger people.

The figure falls to 67% for 18-24-year-olds, but London City Airport, which commissioned the research, believes it will rise as vaccines are rolled out further.

Prime Minister Boris

Johnson has pledged that all UK adults will be offered their first dose by the end of July.

Under his road map, international holidays could be permitted for people in England from May 17.

Currently, anyone who gets a jab is given a vaccination card and has their medical records updated.

But the Government is considering the introduction of vaccine passports as a specific way for people to prove their status, potentially through the existing NHS app.

There are concerns about ethical and legal issues, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs “it is clear” that individuals will need a way of showing that they have had a jab.

The European Union has confirmed plans for a “digital green pass” to allow people to travel into the bloc by showing they have been vaccinated or had a negative Covid test.

The London City survey of 2,014 adults also indicated that 72% of frequent flyers want to return to travel as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Some 71% of those polled believe travel should be allowed between countries that have the virus “under control”.

Civil Aviation Authority data shows just 6,474 passengers travelled through London City in January, down 98% on the same month last year.

The airport’s chief executive Robert Sinclair said: “The survey results show that the Prime Minister’s road map has given British people hope and it is very pleasing to see that so many see travel as a priority as restrictions are eased.”