Speaking in the Commons yesterday, the Prime Minister signalled that Covid passports were on the way to facilitate overseas trips. His remarks followed pressure from Tory MPs for the Government to allow the aviation and travel industries to open up as the pandemic recedes.

       Mr Johnson said: “We have invested ￡7billion already to support aviation since the start of the pandemic but obviously what we hope is that the double-jabs programme will enable people to start flying and really give that industry the prospect of a long-term, sustainable recovery.”

       He spoke in response to concerns raised by Tory backbencher Henry Smith at Prime Minister’s Questions.

       Mr Smith urged the Government “to press ahead with allowing those who are fully vaccinated greater international travel to save as many aviation and travel sector jobs as possible and help regrow our economy”.

       An NHS app has been updated to serve as a Covid passport for overseas travel once the Government has agreed arrangements with the EU and other governments.