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20
Apr 2021
Andrew Jones MP: Vaccine passports 'extremely problematic'
The government is considering whether to introduce passports to enable people to travel abroad and reduce social distancing measures. In a message to constituents, Mr Jones outlines his concerns.
Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.
Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP Andrew Jones MP has spoken out against vaccine passports, calling them "extremely problematic".
The government is considering whether to introduce the passports to enable people who have proved their covid-free status to travel abroad and reduce social distancing measures.
On his website, Mr Jones has published a response to constituents who have messaged him on the subject.
He said he "understands the depth of feeling" on the issue, adding:
"I do understand the points that you and others make and I think vaccine passports are extremely problematic.
"There will be people who do not want a vaccine for religious or cultural reasons. Some may deride this but it should be a consideration when the government looks at the issue.
"Others may not be able to have the vaccine because of health conditions; we need to ensure these people can return to a normal life too. There are still of course millions of people aged 50 and over who have not yet received a jab."
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Some Labour and Conservative MPs have expressed concerns about the impact of vaccine passports on civil liberties.
A petition calling on the government to scrap the idea has over 300,000 signatures.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove is in charge of a Whitehall study into how coronavirus passports could work in the UK.
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