Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, explained why she chose to vote against the Government's proposal to introduce Covid passports.
Like many people across the country, I am deeply disappointed with the Government’s decision to introduce mandatory COVID-status certification in certain venues. I have been consistent in my support for the proportionate measures taken by this Government to protect public health. But I have three grave concerns that mean I cannot support the current proposal to introduce mandatory COVID-status certification.
- First, mandatory certification would be an unacceptable infringement on our rights and freedoms. I believe we should all be allowed to live our lives free from interference and the introduction of certification would prevent this. It is easy to see how such certification could quickly progress from crowded events to housing, transport, or even work.
- Second, I believe the timing of this decision is wrong and lacks a clear basis in scientific evidence. Currently, there is little evidence that Omicron is more deadly than previous variants and our understanding of its potential impact is limited. Additionally, we know that vaccinated people can and do spread the virus and that other countries who have implemented COVID-status certification have not witnessed noticeable reductions in COVID transmission as a result.
- Third, I have grave concerns about the possible two-tier society that mandatory COVID-certification would create. We have seen disparities in the levels of vaccination take-up across different groups in our society – these are readily visible in age, ethnicity, and levels of deprivation. Since the vaccine programme was launched, we have seen less uptake amongst younger people, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those from the most deprived parts of the country. The exclusion of these groups from participating fully in society is unthinkable and would only serve to exacerbate the existing inequalities this Government is working so hard to tackle.
For these reasons, I opposed COVID-status certification in the House of Commons. Be assured that I will raise this issue with ministerial colleagues and ensure they are aware of the deep concerns that many of us share about the harm that mandatory COVID-status certification would cause to our society. As a member of the Covid-19 steering group I have been and will continue to call for lighter touch measures during the pandemic.
This does NOT mean however that I am against vaccination. I urge everyone eligible, aged 18 and over in England to get their booster jab before the New Year. It is about protecting people in settings where the virus is most likely to spread, and vaccines are the best possible way to do this. Vaccines reduce the risk of infection and, as a result, onward transmission.
I will be doing all I can to support vaccination efforts in Wealden.
If you have further queries, please use the below links to follow the most up to date advice:
- Mask wearing: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
- Vaccination Guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/
- Travel Restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-from-england-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Nusrat
