Covid: Boris Johnson warned that vaccine passports would create a ‘two-tier’ Britain

The introduction of vaccine passports in the UK could create a “two-tier” society, a Tory MP has warned.

Government documents released yesterday said that Covid status certification could have an "important role to play both domestically and internationally, as a temporary measure".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also refused to rule out the idea in Easter Monday’s press conference where he announced that restrictions would be eased across England.

Scientists warn of another Covid wave in England but PM vows to stick...

Vaccine passports would lead to a ‘two-tier Britain’

However, the idea has been criticised by politicians from both the Conservative and Labour parties.

Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told Times Radio further checks to go to the pub were a "diminution of your logical rights" while former chief whip Mark Harper warned their introduction would lead to a "two-tier Britain".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also called vaccine passports "un-British" when asked about them in an interview last week.

Mr Johnson could be facing a defeat in the House of Commons if he concedes to the Covid Recovery Group, made up of lockdown-sceptic Tories, and agrees to a vote on vaccine passports.

Will we need vaccine passports when pubs reopen?

Covid documentation will not be needed for the reopening of beer gardens next week or for the return of drinkers to pubs next month.

However, the review, led by Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, appeared to hold the door open to them being adopted by publicans at a later date.

The eight-page document said it was "possible" Covid certificates could "play a role in reducing social distancing requirements" in hospitality settings - a signal that if pubs want to be packed again, they might have to come up with ways of checking vaccine passports.

The Government has promised further consultation with the sector.