Scotland will not expand vaccine passports

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said there are no current plans to extend vaccine passports.

She argued that widening their mandatory use was “not be proportionate”.

“This was a very finely balanced decision,” she told MSPs. “However, I can confirm that at this stage we have decided not to extend the scope of the scheme.

“We have taken account of the fact that – although our situation is precarious – cases are currently stable and indeed slightly declining; and we have considered the inevitable impact vaccine certification has on the operation of businesses; and concluded that, at this stage, extension would not be proportionate.

“We were also mindful of the need over the coming weeks of getting across the message that it is important to be vaccinated and tested ahead of socialising in any setting – including in homes and shopping centres, for example – not just in those that might be covered by a certification scheme.”

However she said evidence of a negative lateral flow will be introduced from 6 December, in order to enter nightclubs and other  large events, instead of the vaccine passports currently required.