Older Britons are the most likely to be in favour of the policy, which was recently adopted in Germany
In one of her last acts as German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has enacted measures to bar those remaining unvaccinated against COVID-19 from large parts of public life. The measures aim to curb a fourth wave of infections – which has thus far been among the worst in Europe. Merkel described the restrictions, which will see those without a COVID-19 vaccination unable to attend many events or visit non-essential shops as an act of “national solidarity”. The move follows a lockdown for the unvaccinated in Austria beginning in November.
While a similar policy has not been announced for the United Kingdom, Britons would support restrictions on those remaining unvaccinated. Some 62% of the public would support banning those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 from visiting public places – this includes 32% who would “strongly support” doing so. Around a quarter of people (26%) would oppose such measures.
Such restrictions would have the support of both major political party voters, including 69% of Conservatives and 63% of Labour voters.
Britons of all ages would support restrictions on people remaining unvaccinated, but none more so than those aged 65 and over - 79% of whom support banning unvaccinated people from events and non-essential retail versus 15% opposed. While half of people aged between 18 and 24 (51%) do support the idea, they are the least likely to do so, with 35% of this younger age group opposed.
