I take the noble Baroness’s point that not everyone who is against vaccines is unvaccinated or an anti-vaxxer. It is a very difficult balance to get in a free society. It is important that
people are allowed to criticise, but they also need to be challenged robustly. That is what we need in a healthy society.
On the point from the noble Baroness, Lady Merron, about the importance of evidence-based decision-making, let me assure her that it is one of the things that I take very seriously. My officials probably get bored of me saying, “Where is the evidence? Is it evidence-led?” It is really important that this is evidence-led. The Government’s approach has always been informed by the scientific and medical advice, the latest data and advice from the Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer, members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies—SAGE—experts from the UK Health Security Agency as well as many others considering the wider factors within health and society.
I also agree with the noble Baroness that vaccination is a key part of our defence against Covid-19, and the latest data show that boosters are even more important. In answer to her question, we have said that once all adults have had a reasonable chance to get their booster jab—as the Secretary of State said in the other place—we intend the booster dose to be regarded as being fully vaccinated for vaccine or test certification, which can continue to be used voluntarily for venues and events using the NHS Covid pass. We will consider whether and if any changes are needed to other policies that rely on people being fully vaccinated. Once again, we urge everyone to get boosted now. We have delivered the fastest booster programme in Europe, with more than 36 million boosters now in arms across the UK.
Finally, the noble Baroness, Lady Brinton, raised the timing of this debate. I agree with noble Lords—in some ways, it has embarrassed me—that we seem to be in a time warp. In fact, it was funny that, in preparation for this, I was wondering which tense to use. I agree that parliamentary scrutiny is incredibly important. That is why the certification regulations were considered and approved in the other House before coming to this House very shortly after coming into force. The amending statutory instrument that we are debating today on certification corrects minor errors of omission in the original certification regulations. The issues were identified and corrected promptly and came into force at 6 am on 15 December 2021. The amending SI does not affect the sunset of the regulations on 26 January.
The noble Baroness also asked why plan B is expiring. Plan B measures are being removed because we believe, led by the evidence, that it is safe and proportionate to do so. We believe that we have made good progress, but it is important that we remain vigilant. As the Prime Minister said in the other place, it is important that we do not give the impression that this is over. We have to remain vigilant. We have to let fresh air in if we meet indoors, but meeting outdoors is safer. The Government suggest continuing to wear a face covering in crowded or enclosed settings where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet. Please get tested and self-isolate if required, try to stay at home if you are feeling unwell and wash your hands.
I do not have a specific answer to the question from the noble Baroness, Lady Brinton, about the immuno- suppressed, so I will make sure that I get that. I am sorry that I do not have that answer here; I really
should have had that. I will get that to the noble Baroness as soon as possible and lay a copy in the Library so that others can see it.
Covid is not over, and it is important that people continue to follow safe behaviours. Please let fresh air in if you meet indoors, and meet outdoors if it is safer, although I know that can be difficult in this weather unless you are one of those people who likes to jump in the Serpentine on a cold morning. The Government suggest that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed settings where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet. Get tested and self-isolate if required. Try to stay at home if you are feeling unwell. Wash your hands. Download and use the NHS Covid-19 app for contact tracing.