The EU has stepped back from threats of a Northern Ireland vaccine blockade after widespread fury. It comes after the bloc invoked part of the Northern Ireland Protocol in an attempt to stop vaccines made in the EU from getting into the UK through the back door.
The protocol, which is part of the Brexit deal, allows goods from the EU to be exported to Northern Ireland without checks. However the EU triggered Article 16 of the protocol tonight to slap temporary export controls on vaccines sent to Northern Ireland.
But this evening, it confirmed the clause would not be triggered. A statement revoking the decision confirmed: "In the process of finalisation of this measure, the Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland