A growing backlash is emerging today following Boris Johnson's announcement last night regarding plans to introduce Covid vaccine passports in clubs and at other "mass gatherings".
As The Telegraph put it this morning, it appears that Johnson has dropped the carrot and picked up the stick - and not everyone is very happy.
Night clubs returned at 00:01 on Monday 19 July, but before the day was out the Prime Minister had appeared in a televised press conference to announce new plans to introduce compulsory vaccination as a requirement of entry into nightclubs and other 'crowded events' in the autumn.
Since making the announcement yesterday, the Prime Minister has also been asked to clarify the relaxation of isolation rules for a number of fully-vaccinated key workers who've come into close contact with covid positive patients; after a Downing Street statement yesterday merely said it would not be a “blanket exemption for any sector or role”.
Speaking from his self-isolation inside number 10, the Prime Minister said that vaccination would become a condition of entry to nightclubs starting in September after Chief Medical Advisor singled out clubs out as potential "super spreading events".
The announcement regarding vaccine passports follows several weeks in which we've seen huge crowds of football fans come together, both inside and outside venues, during the Euros tournament and amidst reports this morning that Covid deaths have risen by 68% in a single week.
With Covid deaths currently their highest since April and Leeds newly named as the centre of the 'pingdemic' with more people currently in self-isolation than anywhere else in the country, some are questioning what is driving the decision making behind the rules currently at play in England.
Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill accused the Government of “an absolute shambles”.
“So, ‘freedom day’ for nightclubs lasted around 17 hours then,” he said, speaking the announcement regarding vaccine passports in nightclubs.
“80% of nightclubs have said they do not want to implement Covid passports, worrying about difficulties with enforcing the system and a reduction in spontaneous consumers, as well as being put at a competitive disadvantage with pubs and bars that aren’t subject to the same restrictions and yet provide similar environments.”
Whilst Mark Harper, a Conservative former chief whip that currently chairs the Covid Recovery Group of Tory lockdown-sceptics, criticised the new plans for vaccine passports as “effectively moving to compulsory vaccination”.
Former Conservative health secretary Jeremy Hunt also questioned the vaccine passport plans, questioning why they were being delayed until autumn.
Considering that nightclubs are predominantly popular with younger people, many of whom have only recently been invited to get their first injection, the new September deadline has created anxiety around getting their second jab in time.
Others have suggested the policy is designed to motivate younger people to get their second jab for the autumn.
Shadow health minister for Labour Justin Madders said: “How can it be safe to go to nightclubs now, with no protective measures, if in September it will require double jab status? It makes no sense.
“This proposal is more confusion and incompetence from the heart of Government at the expense of public health. They need to get a grip.”
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2021 
