Scottish Parliament set to approve Covid vaccine passports despite strong objections
The Scottish Greens will back Nicola Sturgeon's plans
Last updated 9th Sep 2021
The use of vaccine passports in Scotland as a condition of entry to nightclubs and large events, such as football matches, is expected to be approved by MSPs later in an effort to control the spread of Covid-19.
It's likely to be voted through because the Scottish Greens, who recently agreed a deal with the SNP to take part in the Scottish Government, dropped the previous opposition and announced they will support the use of certification.
Health spokesperson Gillian Mackay is justifying the change in position: "This is one of the least worst options we have available to us. Closing down these venues is not an option without furlough to back it up.
"This is the health intervention we can take and we are supporting it as a result.
"We've tried to ensure the data in the system is kept to a minimum and the way we present the QR code for checking does not reveal any more information than you might have to show ID on the door of a nightclub."
READ MORE: How will vaccine passports work?
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon makes the case for vaccine passports
Opposition parties are raising concerns about data confidentiality and whether vaccine passports will be effective in controlling the virus.
Unanswered questions
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross says there are too many unanswered questions: "We haven't heard anything about how they will be administered, how they will be enforced, or whether the data concerns which have been legitimately raised have been sorted. Do we know if some of the fraud risks which have been identified have been taken into account by the Scottish Government?
"Nicola Sturgeon has come to this at the last minute again, is not prepared, and is asking for backing for a scheme which simply will not work and is rightly being criticised by the sectors which will have to enforce it.
Negative tests not passports
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar believes entry should be based on whether or not you have Covid: "You can still be double vaccinated and still get the virus, and spread the virus. The most important test before someone is allowed into a large-scale event is whether they are negative or not, rather than whether they are vaccinated or not.
"I just don't think this is going to have the measurable impact the Government think it is. I think this is an attempt by the Government to create a new system, so they look in control of a virus which is clearly out of control."
New Scottish Lib Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has concerns about data protection: "I can't believe I have to say this, but you should never had to present your medical record to a bouncer.
"For the first time ever Scots will have to give their private medical data to strangers to access venues and services in our society."
It comes as a group of MPs claims there's no case for Covid vaccine passports to be rolled out in England because of a lack of scientific evidence.
The cross-party committee says they'll be discriminatory, and plans should be scrapped.
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.