Scunthorpe MP ‘uncomfortable’ with vaccine passports

Holly Mumby-Croft says she is “instinctively uncomfortable” with checking people’s Covid vaccination records before they enter nightclubs and high-risk venues.

The policy is designed to stop super-spreading at crowded events without social distancing.

The Scunthorpe MP told the House of Common yesterday that she “would not want to see (vaccine passports) implemented beyond some very limited circumstances.”

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi defended the government’s plan, which could see people forced to prove they have had two jabs to gain entry to some venues within weeks.

Mrs Mumby-Croft called for members to get a vote on the issue.

“I know that this is a policy that many residents in Scunthorpe follow closely, and rightly so. As I have publicly said before, I am instinctively wary and uncomfortable with vaccine passports being implemented domestically,” she said.

“Whilst it is reassuring that the Vaccines Minister has promised further details and opportunities for scrutiny, we need to look at the government’s full proposals on this, and MPs should get a vote. I will continue to work with colleagues to push for a meaningful vote on this important issue.”

The Scunthorpe MP has previously polled constituents on whether they would support vaccine passports.

Two-thirds of the 231 people who responded were in favour of them for international travel.

However, this dropped to 32 per cent for events without social distancing such as nightclubs.

Just one in five backed the idea of them being required for entering shops and pubs.

Mr Zahawi admitted the policy went against his own instincts as he was questioned by MPs yesterday.

“It pains me to have to have to stand at this dispatch box and have to implement something that goes against the DNA of this minister and his prime minister – but we are living through difficult times,” he said.