Boris Johnson set to reject invitation to join EU’s fast-track coronavirus vaccine scheme
Boris Johnson in the House of Commons. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/House of Commons. - Credit: Archant
Despite repeated calls from the EU to join the bloc's coronavirus vaccine scheme, Boris Johnson is set to reject the invite on the UK's behalf.
Johnson's refusal to join the scheme to work with the 27 EU countries, which is investing in at least six different potential vaccines, has been met with criticism that Brexit is being put ahead of the nation's health.
The EU has proposed using a 'large majority' of a €2.7bn emergency fund for the effort but is also committed to ensuring fair access worldwide to pandemic remedies.
The bloc is looking to buy six potential vaccines in deals in advance where the makers would commit to providing doses when and if they become available, as long as they are not produced solely in America.
The UK government was reportedly assessing whether or not to join the scheme, having originally ruled out due to its desire to sever ties with Brussels.
You may also want to watch:
But Johnson's administration has ruled by joining the Brussels scheme it would lead to a delay in people receiving the vaccine in the quantities it needs, the Independent reports.
They believe that a cap on doses allocated to each member state could reduce the scheme's effectiveness, and believes companies in the UK can offer it at a similar price.
It comes after Dominic Raab claimed the reason it had not joined other EU schemes during the coronavirus was because of an e-mail mix-up where correspondence was sent to an old address.
Most Read
- 1 The deep roots of Labour's red wall decline
- 2 Labour needs more positivity, more patriotism, more policy... and less wokery
- 3 Andy Burnham urges UK to 'embrace' Brexit as 'new reality'
- 4 A view from inside the Heathrow petri dish
- 5 MANDRAKE: Boris Johnson's 'daughter' speaks out
- 6 Former Tory speaker admits voting Labour after labeling Boris Johnson a 'liar'
- 7 Dominic Raab 'chickened out' of a no-deal Brexit, Michel Barnier says
- 8 The truth about 'buy British'
- 9 Liz Truss accused of freeports 'catastrophic blunder' following Brexit deals
- 10 Seven reasons Scotland should stay in the Union
Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat leadership contender, criticised the move.
She said: 'The government walking away from this EU deal shows their willingness to put ideology over public health.
'Working together would help drive down costs and make sure we get value for money.
'You would think, during a pandemic, the government would put its Brexit dogma aside. But, for this government, it's Brexit over vaccines.'
Munira Wilson MP, the Lib Dem health spokesperson, added: 'When coronavirus is such a threat to people's lives and livelihoods, Ministers should leave no stone unturned in their bid to end the pandemic.
'This Government's stubborn unwillingness to work with the European Union through the current crisis is unforgivable.
'The crisis does not stop at any national border. It is about time the prime minister started showing leadership, including fully participating in all EU efforts to secure critical medical supplies and a vaccine.'
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
