Downing Street refuses to deny that Covid vaccine supplies will be diverted from the North East to other parts of the country

The Government has declined to deny suggestions that vaccines will be moved away from the North East to other parts of England in order to boost those that have made less progress in the rollout.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Downing Street has declined to deny suggestions that the North East will see a reduction in their Covid vaccine supplies in order to boost other areas of the country which haven’t made as much progress during the roll out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has previously denied that vaccines would be moved from the North East and Yorkshire to help other regions but on Friday, January 22, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman refused to repeat the denial.

The Government has refused to deny suggestions that vaccine supplies will be diverted away from the North East.The Government has refused to deny suggestions that vaccine supplies will be diverted away from the North East.
The Government has refused to deny suggestions that vaccine supplies will be diverted away from the North East.

He said: “I’m simply pointing out the fact that we’ll continue to prioritise the over-80s and will ensure the areas that need more in order to increase those percentages can receive it, while ensuring that we provide vaccine doses to all areas of the country.”

The spokesperson also highlighted Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s comments made on Thursday (January 21) about the roll out needing to be “fair”.

Read More
Boris Johnson set to hold a Downing Street press conference later today – this i...

He added: “We will continue to ensure that all areas and regions of the UK receive the vaccine to ensure we can protect the most vulnerable in society.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would point to what Matt Hancock said yesterday where he said we have got to make sure vaccination is fair across the UK and some parts of the country, including parts of the North East and Yorkshire, have gone fast early on.

“He also said why we’re putting more vaccine into areas that haven’t made as much progress, so everyone in the top four groups can receive the offer of a vaccine by February 15.

“But it remains the case that areas of the UK will continue to receive doses of the vaccine.”

Our A Shot in the Arm campaign is urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock to bring the roll-out programme closer to many people’s homes by utilising the country’s community pharmacies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The petition has already attracted over 85,000 signatures on change.org and you can view it by clicking here.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.