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Coronavirus: UK’s failure to join EU ventilator scheme was ‘political decision’, not communication error, says senior civil servant
21/04/2020
Sir Simon McDonald says ministers were briefed on ‘what was on offer’ to UK.
UK foreign secretary has said EU invite for Covid-19 scheme was sent to old email address.
Brussels says UK was briefed on bulk-buying plan and given ‘ample opportunity’ to join.
Senior Foreign Office official tells MPs that ministers refused scheme because UK had left EU.
UK refuses request from Brussels for Northern Ireland presence for second time.
Government now rejecting EU oversight of implementing Northern Ireland agreement.
The UK position 14 months ago is in sharp contrast to the flat rejection of an EU office in Belfast under Boris Johnson's government.