South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has demanded answers from the Scottish Government about the impact of the vaccine passport scheme on hospitality.

During topical questions in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, the local MSP asked John Swinney what assessment the Scottish Government had made of the impact of vaccine passports on the hospitality sector.

The Deputy First Minister said the Government reviews statutory measures every three weeks and considers the “necessity, proportionality and targeted nature of the regulations, taking into account a range of evidence across the four harms”.

Colin Smyth said: “It is not clear to me what the cabinet secretary means by an impact that is “proportionate”, but we know that the introduction of vaccination passports has had a negative impact on hospitality.

“Why is there still no sign of any additional support for the businesses that have been affected by the introduction of vaccination passports and the many more that will be when he extends the scheme?

“Why is the Government now saying that it plans to consider not just a vaccination passport or a negative test being required for entry into venues, but both? What assessment has been made of the potential impact of such a decision?”

Speaking after the session, Colin Smyth added: “Decisions about whether or not the vaccine passport scheme will be extended look set to be taken this week, but it is shocking that businesses already impacted by these measures are still waiting for more help and support from the Government.

“Hospitality has seriously suffered during the pandemic and areas such as my constituency, which rely on the sector, are still struggling. It’s time the Government provides the appropriate help and support.”