Bitter EU chiefs accused Britain of ‘disrespecting victims’ for celebrating Covid rollout as AstraZeneca war rages

BITTER EU chiefs have branded Britain "shortsighted" and "disrespectful to victims" of the pandemic for celebrating our country's successful vaccine rollout, amid Europe's continuing crisis.

Disgruntled leaders are planning to impose an import ban on vaccines to the UK as they struggle to steady a substantial supply to the continent.

French President Emmanuel Macron publicly backed EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's threat to seize vaccines from Britain to try and catch up to our vaccination rollout.

Other European countries, including Germany, Italy, and Denmark, are also believed to have backed the plan to confiscate coronavirus jabs bound for Britain.

Yet Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden are said to be wary the move could lead to a fiery trade war that will be detrimental to EU supply chains, after the meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels.

It comes after Mrs von der Leyen suggested the bloc could trigger Article 122 – blocking exports, taking control of factories, and relinquishing intellectual property rights.

Yet legislation with a large majority support would have to be brought by the commission to the European Council, before this could occur.

Europe has only vaccinated a measly 12% of its population – which is dwarfed by the UK's 40%.

Former Prime Minister of Finland Alexander Stubb bitterly slammed Britain for celebrating it's success, which humiliates the EU's attempt.

"If I came from a country with one of the highest Covid-19 death rates per capita or otherwise, I would not necessarily bang my chest about a vaccine rollout which is roughly four to six weeks ahead of others," he wrote in a tweet.

"It is simply shortsighted and disrespectful to the victims of the pandemic."

The European Commission president previously hinted she was willing to bend the law to force AstraZeneca to reveal their vaccine formula.

However, there are "very significant consequences for breaking contract law", the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

Britain could strike back with a block on vaccine component exports, which would further delay the EU's sluggish vaccine drive.

Macron pledged to support von der Leyen's stance and wants "to demand reciprocity in the measures taken throughout the world."

She wants the UK to somewhat release the manufacturer from it's contract that requires British orders to be fulfilled before any exports to the bloc.

France are expected to announce new restrictions with a potential Paris lockdown after the number of patients in intensive care increases.

Brussels has been in "constant contact" with the UK regarding the jab standoff, the commissions chief spokesman said.

Both the manufacturer AstraZeneca and Downing Street refused to comment on whether any of the UK's vaccine supply have been sent to the EU – but did confirm components have been delivered.

The shocking statement comes after France, Germany, Italy, Spain, alongside 13 other EU countries, ceased the use of the AstraZeneca jab over fears it caused deadly blood clots.

An investigation is expected to clear the jab for use.

The WHO's Europe Director, Hans Kluge, said: "Benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh any risks and its use should continue to save lives."

The commission are expected to approach AstraZeneca by letter to try and resolve the slow in supply, which could lead to legal action if it is not squashed.

The EU have continued to hit out at AstraZeneca since January after a botched supply.

Yet Britain is now facing its own supply problems, after four million AstraZeneca doses from India have been delayed.

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