Boris Johnson set to say Vaxx Passports WILL be introduced but only ‘last a year’

A ‘time limit’ of less than a year could be imposed on a vaccine passport scheme in an attempt to try and appease irate Tory rebels.

Boris Johnson will give the green light on Monday to the development of a system of ‘vaccine certification’ as he says this is part of getting the economy up and running.

Ministers believe the scheme may be essential in reopening venues such as theatres and stadiums which rely on large crowds.

But the idea of creating a new ‘Checkpoint Britain’ has led to a fierce cross-party backlash, with 72 MPs yesterday signing a pledge to oppose the ‘divisive and discriminatory’ scheme.

There was also a huge outcry over the plans yesterday, with a litany of critics branding the idea as oppressive.

The policy was even criticised by a Government adviser, with Professor Robert West warning they would give people a false sense of security.

The scale of the opposition presents a potential major problem for Mr Johnson if the plans require primary legislation to enact them.

While no decision has been taken on how long any scheme should last, the source said it was likely to be no more than a year.

‘It will be time-limited and I think the duration of the scheme will be measured in months,’ the source said.

‘The party will not wear any longer.’

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden yesterday defended the idea of so-called ‘Covid status certification’, saying it could help people get back to ‘doing the things they love’, such as going to the theatre or attending live concerts and sports events.

Ministers are hoping to pilot the use of vaccine passports at major events within weeks, with the FA Cup final and the World Snooker Championship among those being considered for trials.