Covid pass rules UK: where do you need an NHS Covid pass in England - as rules tighten after Plan B vote

Adults in England will have to show a Covid pass to attend large venues from today (15 December).

The new rules, which were passed in the House of Commons last night, mean that people need to show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination or a recent negative lateral flow test to enter big sports matches, nightclubs or other large events.

Where do you need an NHS Covid pass in England?

Over-18s must show that they are either double-jabbed or had a recent negative test, which they can do with an NHS Covid Pass or text message or email from NHS Test and Trace.

The rules apply when visiting:

• Nightclubs 
• Any venue with more than 10,000 people 
• Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people
• Indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people

Under the restrictions, any venue caught failing to check passes could be fined up to £10,000. The faking of a pass could also attract the same penalty.

The new rules come into effect ahead of several Premier League fixtures.

Brighton, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Arsenal are all due to host games on Wednesday evening, meaning fans going to those grounds will have to adhere to the new restrictions.

What other Covid rules are in place in England?

Face coverings have also been made compulsory in most indoor public venues, as well as on public transport.

People have also been told to work from home if they can.

The booster jab campaign has also been ramped up with a new target meaning people 18 and over will be able to get their third jabs from this week.

The new measures have been introduced to try and combat the spread of the Omicron variant.

What happened in the Covid pass vote last night?

Some 97 Conservative MPs defied the Government and voted against the introduction of mandatory Covid passes to access nightclubs and large venues.

However, the measures passed thanks to support from the Labour party.

The new rules were backed by 369 MPs while 126 opposed the plans.

The division list showed 96 Conservative MPs voted against.

Two Tory MPs also acted as tellers for the noes.

Eight Labour MPs, 10 Liberal Democrats, six DUP, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and Independent MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Rob Roberts also opposed the regulations, according to the list.

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