'Immunity passports' may be provided for those who have had a vaccine
The government's vaccines minister has suggested that people who refuse a COVID-19 vaccine could be barred from attending football matches and cinemas.
Speaking to the BBC earlier today, Nadhim Zahawi said: "I think you'll probably find that restaurants and bars and cinemas and other venues, sports venues, will probably also use that system."
Recently appointed by Boris Johnson to oversee the UK's rollout of a coronavirus vaccine, Zahawi said the Covid-19 jab will not be made compulsory.
Zahawi said: "I think it is right that it is voluntary.
"People have to be allowed to decide for themselves whether they want to be vaccinated or otherwise.
"But, I think the very strong message that you will see is that this is the way we return the whole country, and so it's good for your family, it's good for your community, it's good for your country to be vaccinated."
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According to Zahawi, the UK government are exploring the possibility of producing immunity passports for those who do choose to get the vaccine. This will show you've received a vaccine, and potentially allow you access to events where proof is needed.
Speaking to the BBC's World At One, Zahawi said there is a very real possibility you will need proof of a Covid-19 vaccine to be admitted to cinemas and sporting events.
He said: "I think you'll probably find that restaurants and bars and cinemas and other venues, sports venues, will probably also use that system - as they have done with the app.
"I think that in many ways the pressure will come from both ways, from service providers who'll say 'look, demonstrate to us that you have been vaccinated'.
"But, also, we will make the technology as easy and accessible as possible."
