Do not implement Covid-19 Freedom Passes

We ask the Government not to proceed with any plans for the implementation of Freedom Passes. For these to be in force it requires the bearer to consent to at least twice weekly tests.

However the nature of the Freedom Pass means that people might feel coerced into consenting to these tests rather than doing so freely.

The Government would be very unwise to implement such a policy. The Government needs to protect people's rights to medical freedom, bodily autonomy and freedom from discrimination.

As from the beginning of the response to the pandemic, the Government’s first priority remains to protect the NHS and save lives. It is important that we all continue to take the steps to beat the disease. This includes following relevant Covid-19 regulations and guidance and remembering to wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from those not in your household.

We are continually exploring ways in which we can return to normality as soon as possible while controlling the spread of the virus. This includes ways in which technology could be utilised to enable workplaces, educational centres and health and social care services to reopen to the public safely.

The Government is increasing community testing, which is a crucial tool for Local Authorities to identify and isolate those who have Covid19 but do not have symptoms and may inadvertently spread the virus – and to break chains of transmission. We published the Community Testing Guide for Local Authorities on Monday 30 November, and the updated guidance was published 16 December to reflect the extension of community testing to include Tier 2 areas at significant risk of entering Tier 3. This is part of our broader strategy to help areas move out of Tier 4 and 3 restrictions faster and reduce the risk of a Tier 2 area entering Tier 3.

As with other vaccination programmes, a vaccine record card will be issued to patients with the relevant details about the vaccine including the date of their vaccination and their vaccine type. This is a vaccine record card, similar to those given to patients for other NHS vaccinations as a note of when they received their vaccine. It is not intended to be used for any other purpose, or as an immunity certificate

The UK has a world class national immunisation programme which is constantly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing nature of infectious diseases and provide the best protection for the public. All vaccines used in the UK are thoroughly tested, meet strict safety criteria and are carefully monitored after they are introduced into the national programme. Our evidence-based immunisation programmes are informed by the advice of our world leading expert committee – the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which reviews a wide range of scientific and other evidence, keeping the vaccine schedule safe and relevant.

Thanks to an incredible amount of hard work across the country, over 500,000 people have been given a COVID-19 vaccine - those aged 80 and over, NHS and care home staff. Hundreds of local vaccination services run by family doctors and their teams have opened across England this week. Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other NHS staff are working alongside GPs to vaccinate those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and residents, identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine.

It is an individual’s choice over whether they get vaccinated. We think that is the right step for people to take to protect themselves and their loved ones, and we are supporting people in making an informed choice by providing the public with the necessary information to do so.

Department of Health and Social Care