A fresh row has broken out between the UK and the EU after the bloc’s most senior official suggested the UK had banned all Covid-19 vaccine exports.
Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, wrongly claimed the UK had an “outright ban” on exports of vaccines produced on its soil.
And that an EU representative has been summoned for “further discussions”.
It is the second time since the start of the year that the UK and EU have been at loggerheads over the issue of the production and distribution of coronavirus vaccines.
The UK refuted Michel’s claim saying it has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine and remained committed to cooperation internationally.
“Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false”, a UK government spokesman said.
On Tuesday night, Mr Michel appeared to backtrack slightly on his claim of an “outright” export ban, posting on Twitter: “Glad if the UK reaction leads to more transparency & increased exports, to EU and third countries.
“Different ways of imposing bans or restrictions on vaccines/medicines. EU is providing vaccines for its citizens and rest of the world.
“This pandemic is a global challenge and international collaboration on vaccine development continues to be an integral part of our response.”
“No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
The latest tension over COVID vaccines follows January’s dispute when the EU threatened – and then swiftly abandoned – an attempt to override post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland as part of its disagreement with vaccine manufacturers.
