Vaccine passport plan to go ahead

The government has confirmed it will move forward with plans to introduce vaccine passports for nightclubs and other crowded indoor venues in England from the end of next month.

Despite a backlash from ministers and Conservative MPs, the prime minister’s spokesperson said there would be no change to the policy.

“We set out broadly our intention to require vaccination for nightclubs and some other settings. We will be coming forward in the coming weeks with detail for that,” he said.

The requirement is meant to come into effect at the end of September and will be based on use of the existing NHS app, which allows users to generate proof of vaccination.

Boris Johnson first put forward the idea in July, days after clubs and other venues were allowed to reopen.

He said: “We are planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather. Proof of a negative test will no longer be sufficient.”

Ministers hoped the announcement would boost vaccine uptake among young people.

The policy was described as a “hammer blow” to the night club sector.