Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has hosted G7 talks aimed at creating a “robust, accessible and coordinated approach” to restarting international travel.

The Cabinet minister held a virtual meeting with his counterparts from the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the EU Commission to identify “common goals and principles” in the development of globally recognised travel standards, according to the Department for Transport.

This includes best practices for sharing scientific data and coordinating on “universally recognised travel certificates”.

Mr Shapps said: “If we’re to safely and sustainably restart international travel on a global scale we need a robust, accessible and coordinated approach.

“That’s why I’ve brought together my G7 counterparts to identify shared goals, address challenges we may face and progress work on a coordinated approach that will allow us to build back better as we look to the future.”

The DfT said in a statement: “The UK Government continues to play a leading role in the development of international standards around digital travel certifications

“Work continues across the UK Government to prioritise a solution to enable passengers to prove their Covid-19 status for vaccines for outbound travel to another country.”

This comes a day after Downing Street admitted the NHS app may not be ready for use as a vaccine passport when international travel resumes, which is expected to be on May 17 for people in England.