Gove says EU recognises its mistake over NI Covid vaccines threat

‘We want to work with our friends and neighbours in the EU’

Cabinet office minister Michael Gove has said the European Union recognises it made a mistake in its attempt to involve Northern Ireland its row with the UK over coronavirus vaccine supplies.  

The EU had said it would trigger a controversial part of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland in a bid to control exports.  

But it was forced to back down following a furious outcry from Belfast, Dublin and London.  

The row comes amid delays to the EU supply of the AstraZeneca jab. 

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Gove said: "I think the EU recognise they made a mistake in triggering article 16 which would have meant the reimposition of a border on the island or Ireland.

"But now the EU have stepped back - and they've stepped back following clear conversations between the Prime Minister and EU Commission President.

"They've recognised they have made a mistake."

He added that after the conversation ministers also expected vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and AstraZeneca to be supplied as expected to the UK.  

He said: "The Prime Minister was very clear, we've entered into contractual arrangements with AstraZeneca and Pfizer and we expect those arrangements to be honoured.

"And President von der Leyen was clear that she understood exactly the UK government's position so we expect that those contracts will be honoured, we expect that vaccines will continue to be supplied.”

But he struck a conciliatory tone saying: "Of course we will work with them (the EU) in order to make sure that their own problems can be tackled.

"Our first priority is vaccinating people in the United Kingdom, but we also want to work with our friends and neighbours in the European Union in order to help them as well."