Coronavirus in numbers: UK cases rise by 29,547
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Amid the fallout against AstraZeneca, Britons claimed France had been given a taste of their own medicine. Commenting on the Express.co.uk story, reader Jack Frost hit out at Emmanuel Macron’s previous comments regarding the British-Swedish made drug in which he claimed it was almost ineffective for the over-65s. His Europe minister had also claimed the UK was taking risks by depending heavily on its own jab.
Jack Frost said: “Macron rubbished the hugely successful AZ vaccine and frightened people away from using it resulting in deaths throughout the world.
“The French need to look at their own incompetent leadership.”
Omoni007 also said: “What goes around comes around.
“The EU want it all their own way on every single thing.
“For the UK to terminate the contract it must be serious, I suppose the French should be lucky we did not sue them.”
Retep13 said: “They seem to think that Great Britain has no right to stand up for itself whilst France is never backward in pursuing its own interests.”
The UK Government announced the termination of an agreement with the French company, Valneva this month.
The UK had an order of 100 million doses with the vaccine maker and had increased that initial order by 40 million in February.
JUST IN: Brexit LIVE: Lord Frost announces new delay to EU border controls
The Government terminated the contract amid allegations of a breach of contract by the French company.
Valneva had denied any claim of a breach of supply agreements it said in a statement addressing the news.
A statement read: “Valneva SE, a speciality vaccine company, today announced that it has received a termination notice from the UK government (HMG) in relation to the supply agreement for its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, VLA2001.
“The contract provides HMG with the right to terminate. HMG has alleged that the company is in breach of its obligations under the supply agreement, but the company strenuously denies this.”
DON’T MISS
‘Boris has real difficulties’ Bitter French MEP blasts PM over Valneva [Insight]
Macron urged to snatch UK’s Valneva vaccine doses in Frexit move [Latest]
‘Smacks of revenge!’ French fury as UK ends Covid vaccine contract [Comments]
The company’s vaccine is in phase 3 trials with the results due in the fourth quarter of the year.
In a separate case, the EU and AstraZeneca reached an agreement over the delivery of the remaining vaccine doses to member states this month.
The company has now agreed to deliver 200 million doses of its vaccine by the end of March 2022.
Under the settlement, the two parties agreed another 60 million doses would be delivered by the end of the month.
A further 75 million doses will be made available by December and a final 65 million by the end of March 2022.
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides said: “Today’s settlement agreement guarantees the delivery of the remaining 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by AstraZeneca to the EU.
“While this week we reached the important milestone of 70% full vaccination of the EU’s adult population, there are significant differences in vaccination rates between our Member States, and the continued availability of vaccines, including AstraZeneca’s, remain crucial.
“And as the strongest supporter of global vaccine cooperation and solidarity, we will continue helping the rest of the world.
“Our aim is to share at least 200 million doses of vaccines through COVAX with low and middle-income countries until the end of this year.
“Vaccine solidarity is and remains our trademark.”
Source: Read Full Article