Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Paragraph: 74
While it may not be the Government’s intention for the potential introduction of Covid-status certificates...
Conclusion
While it may not be the Government’s intention for the potential introduction of Covid-status certificates to be a route to introducing ID cards into the UK, there are clear similarities and legitimate concerns that this could occur. Parliament should be aware of these concerns and take them into account when considering any potential Covid-status certification system proposed by the Government.
Paragraph Reference:
74
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Throughout the review, we’ve undertaken extensive engagement with ethicists, academics and a range of specialists and representatives including from faith, race and disabilities groups. As set out in the report, many ethicists saw a clear case for certification due to the potential to help safeguard the health and wellbeing of people and enable them to feel safer in accessing settings. Some issues were raised, including the potential for certification to widen existing disparities - for example, in groups where there is vaccine hesitancy, groups for whom it could be difficult to access or administer tests, or groups who may face higher levels of digital exclusion. However, the Government is clear that any use of certification must be as accessible and easy to use for all as possible. The certification review also concluded that the Government would not mandate the use of certification from Step 4. While the review concluded that there would be a public health benefit, the impacts are judged to be disproportionate to the public health benefit at that stage of the pandemic. However, it also concluded that certification could provide a means of keeping events going and businesses open if the country is facing a difficult situation in autumn or winter. A number of countries have been forced to close their nightclubs after a surge of cases, which we want to avoid. Therefore, as a matter of social responsibility, we are encouraging the use of the NHS COVID Pass for entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather as a safer way to reopen. We will monitor the uptake, and reserve the right to mandate its use in certain venues if necessary. We have always been clear that there are some essential settings where certification should not be used, including essential services and settings that have been allowed to remain open during the pandemic.