Sajid Javid has said he cannot rule out the possibility that over-65s who have not had a Covid booster jab could be barred from taking trains or entering restaurants at some point.
Mr Javid’s comments came during a Sky News interview on Wednesday when he was asked to react to the introduction of such a policy in France.
The Health Secretary said the Government was not looking at the idea “yet” but declined to rule out that it would ever be adopted. A Downing Street source later said the policy was not being actively pursued but added that the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic meant few potential measures could be ruled out.
The comments come amid a tussle between ministers and Tory backbenchers about the possibility of bringing in Covid passports. Boris Johnson announced plans for only those who have been twice jabbed to be allowed to enter venues with large crowds, but they are being held in reserve in case the Covid situation deteriorates.
Asked about France’s booster vaccines policy, Mr Javid said: “We’re not looking at that yet. We are very focused on our booster programme, as you would imagine.
