The Le Monde newspaper said Macron's decision to show no patience with the protesters had its risks, even for a leader who appears to thrive in confrontation with the street as during the 2018-2019 'yellow vest' protests. He accused Mr Macron of trampling on people's freedoms. Then freedom becomes irresponsibility.'īut far-Left presidential hopeful Jean-Luc Melenchon, who plans to run against Mr Macron in next year's election, called the rules 'absurd'. Freedom only exists if the freedom of everyone is protected… it’s worth nothing if by exercising our freedom we contaminate our brother, neighbour, friend, parents, or someone we have come across at an event. Macron urged citizens to remember the third part of France's motto, 'fraternité', calling on them to 'accept these collective rules… and get vaccinated'. Officials believe the measures will encourage more people to get the jabbed – with just under half of the population fully-vaccinated. The system, which will start on Friday, will be mandatory for everyone over the age of 12.įrance started its vaccine passport rollout on July 21 for nightclubs, sporting venues, museums, theatres and cinemas.īut from today the rules are being extended to a new range of venues – including large shopping centres, long-distance trains and domestic flights. The protest came as Italy prepares to introduce it's own 'green pass' system, where those who have at least one vaccine dose or have recovered from Covid-19 or who have tested negative within the past 48 hours will be allowed to access gyms and restaurants. In one of several protests planned in Paris yesterday, hundreds gathered at Pont de Neuilly metro station on the outskirts for a march to the centre, chanting 'freedom!' and 'no to the health pass'.Īlthough many of the protesters are among those refusing to be vaccinated, some have taken the jabs but object to the principle of the health pass. President Macron's law has also been blasted as overbearing and authoritarian, with more than 200,000 people taking to streets across France on Saturday in the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations. The Government has repeatedly said it is working with the travel industry and testing providers to see how to ‘further reduce the cost of travel for the public’. Last night Whitehall sources indicated there were still no plans to remove VAT on the tests. A formal investigation that could lead to criminal action would take far longer. While it has powers to intervene directly in markets, the CMA expects it will be more effective to provide advice to the Government. In a letter to CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli, Mr Javid added: ‘I would be grateful if you would provide me with advice on what further steps we might take to stamp out any exploitative behaviour in this market and would also urge you to take action to prevent such exploitation where you can under your existing powers.’ Health Secretary Sajid Javid has asked the CMA to ‘assess what action might be taken to ensure that consumers do not face unnecessarily high costs or other poor provision’. It will advise ministers on how best to ensure travellers can access affordable and reliable tests amid fury over prices.įamilies face paying hundreds of pounds extra to travel abroad this summer, and the Mail has championed calls for the Government to drive down costs.Ĭampaigners want VAT to be axed and for ministers to allow travellers returning from green and amber countries to take cheaper lateral flow tests when they return to the UK. The competition watchdog has launched an investigation into ‘rip-off’ coronavirus tests for holidaymakers. ![]() However there was uncertainty for those who do not have a smartphone – 20 per cent of the UK population – with the French foreign ministry unable to clarify how the system would work for those without the digital code. ![]() The Mail failed to get NHS QR codes recognised at venues across France on several occasions over the past week but the authorities have insisted that things will work smoothly from today. Proof of being double-jabbed, in the form of digital QR codes handed out by the NHS, must be uploaded to the French coronavirus smartphone app. Many are expected to go to France after it came off the UK's 'amber plus' travel list yesterday, meaning fully-vaccinated travellers will no longer need to quarantine on return.īut they will have to prove they are fully vaccinated for everything in France – from a trip up the Eiffel Tower to a glass of wine on an outdoor terrace. Thousands of Britons holidaying in France face chaos under Emmanuel Macron's Covid passport rules which come into force today.
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