the announcement. unprecedented that there should be a rich abundance of approaches, all of which _ rich abundance of approaches, all of which are _ rich abundance of approaches, all of which are essential. and new data shows another covid—19 vaccine developed in the us that may only require a single dose is 66% effective. in other news, primary schools in wales could re—open to all pupils after half term — though the nationwide lockdown will continue. and thousands of volunteers helping the nhs with the vaccine roll—out will be prioritised for a jab. hello, and a very good afternoon. the european medicines agency is expected to approve the oxford—astrazeneca covid vaccine for use in the eu this afternoon. the uk has been using the astrazeneca jab in its mass immunisation programme for weeks now. meanwhile, the european commission has published a redacted version of its contract with the pharmaceutical giant in a continuing row about supplies of the vaccine. a contract was signed in august for 300 million doses, but the firm has slowed deliveries to the bloc because of production problems. nick beake reports from brussels. revealed in black and white, the contract at the heart of this spiralling international row. the deal was signed between the eu and the covid vaccine maker astrazeneca. but millions of doses won't be arriving on time. both sides still claim they are in the right. translation: there is no priority in the contract. the contract is crystal clear. there is a binding order and no other requirement that needs to be met. we wouldn't even have these production capacities if the eu hadn't invested in the companies in advance. this unremarkable industrial estate in belgium is now an important location in this bitter argument. investigators were asked by the eu to come here and check whether astrazeneca were telling the truth about production problems that they have contributed to this shortfall of the jabs. the stand—off could affect the supply of other vaccines, including pfizer's. the eu is now taking tougher action to hold on to doses made in europe. if it's not getting its fair share, exports to countries, including britain, could be blocked. a former head of the uk's vaccine task force said she hoped that wouldn't happen. i don't think that the idea that there are going to be trade barriers is something that we should be considering. it's all about how can we collectively vaccinate all of those who are at risk as quickly as possible. the eu is finally expected to approve the astrazeneca vaccine this afternoon, although reportedly not for the over 65s. not because they think it is unsafe. they say they want to see more evidence in that age category. translation: today, the european agency is likely to approve another vaccine. we're not expecting authorisation without limits, though. the data for older people is not sufficient. british authorities say they are completely confident the vaccine is safe for all ages. and downing street insists the supply of vaccines in the uk is secure. specialist lawyers are now pouring over the details of this disputed contract between the eu and astrazeneca that has been published. the company insists it has done nothing wrong. no—one wants a legal battle. what europe really needs are many more vaccines. nick beake, bbc news, brussels. another, different, coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be more than 89% effective in trials — and is the first that has been proven to be effective against the new variant identified as circulating widely in the uk. the novavax jab is made by an american company, and it still has to be approved by medicines regulators — but the government has already ordered 60 million doses. much of the manufacturing is being done in teesside. 0ur health correspondent anna collinson reports. at a time when many needed a boost, it is hoped that another powerful weapon against the coronavirus is within reach. new data suggest the novavax vaccine offers strong protection, with the results described as spectacular. more than 15,000 volunteers took part in the large uk trial. crucially, over half of the covid—i9 cases recorded came from the variant found in the uk. with an overall efficacy of 89%, it could be the firstjab which shows it works against the original and new strains. i guess the bad news is that there was lots of virus circulating in the uk during our trial. but that's good news if you're trying to develop a vaccine, because you've got lots of the infection around and you can show that you're vaccine actually works. 0ne concern is that the novavax jab doesn't appear to offer as much protection against the south african variant, but the company says the efficacy was above people's expectations. the next big step is for the uk's regulator to give novavax the green light, which could take weeks. so far, three vaccines have been approved, with astrazeneca and pfizer already being rolled out, and 17 million moderna doses expected in the spring. novavax could provide a further boost to the uk, with 60 million doses ordered. like astrazeneca, the novavax jab can be stored in a regularfridge, fridge, which means, if and when it is approved, it will be easier to get it out to patients. this is a completely different sort of vaccine. it is actually a more conventional vaccine. it a purified protein which is then formulated to induce a very good immune response, and i'm really delighted that we've got yet a third basic approach to vaccination which seems to give such high protection. this is remarkable. i think unprecedented. one of those who took part in the trial was the minister responsible for the vaccine roll—out. in a tweet, nadhim zahawi praised the encouraging results and confirmed some manufacturing will take place here. novavax is a us vaccine, but some of it is due to be made in stockton—on—tees. though a warning — it won't happen overnight. itjust takes time, and we are growing up mammalian cells from low volumes up to the high thousand—litre volumes, and it is very complicated. so growing these cells is not predictable or linear, but i'm confident they will get there. but the vaccine will not be rolling out tomorrow. while tempering expectations, the former head of the uk's vaccine task force is still delighted. when i heard the news last night, i'm afraid i broke the dry january rule and celebrated with a glass of wine. for many, the light at the end of the tunnel has got that much brighter. anna collinson, bbc news. the day is proving to be an incredibly busy one for coronavirus vaccines with results for clinical trials and the imminent decision of the european medicines agency regarding the astrazeneca vaccine. let's take stock of where we are with our health correspondent, dominic hughes. a lot to take in today. some positivity in terms of the figures coming out of some of these trials now. , ., ., ., ., ., " now. yes, good afternoon. ithink that is right- _ now. yes, good afternoon. ithink that is right. i— now. yes, good afternoon. ithink that is right. i think _ now. yes, good afternoon. ithink that is right. i think we _ now. yes, good afternoon. ithink that is right. i think we are - now. yes, good afternoon. ithink that is right. i think we are now i that is right. i think we are now looking at a growing arsenal of vaccines that are all targeting the coronavirus. we heard within the last hour or so about the vaccine developed by the companyjensen, owned byjohnson &johnson, the big us pharmaceutical company. we know that the clinical evidence for that vaccine has come in. it has got a global effectiveness figure, if you like... it was a very big trial involved in that vaccine. a4,000 people in eight different countries, split over three different continents. the global effectiveness figure for that was 66%. a bit lower than some of the other vaccines. reportedly up to 95% effectiveness, but different in different areas. the effectiveness of a 72% in the united states, but lower in places like south africa, where it was 57%, and latin america where it was 66%. so quite a wide variety. but it aim to do was give protection against moderate and severe cases of covid. they say it was 85% effective in stopping severe cases of covid and hospitalisation. 0n stopping severe cases of covid and hospitalisation. on that basis, i think you can say it is effective. and where are we broadly... how much do we know about vaccines and, once you've had them, whether you can still transmit to other people? i realise these are big questions. how much do we know yet about all of that? i much do we know yet about all of that? 4' ., , ., ., that? i think there are still a lot of thins that? i think there are still a lot of things we _ that? i think there are still a lot of things we don't _ that? i think there are still a lot of things we don't know. - that? i think there are still a lot of things we don't know. and i that? i think there are still a lot l of things we don't know. and that has been the case with this pesky virus ever since a year ago, when the first cases were identified here in the uk. we know that the vaccine will stop people getting infected, will stop people getting infected, will stop people getting infected, will stop the vast majority of people from developing severe symptoms. we don't know whether that means they cannot still carry the virus and pass it onto others. we know that until many more people have had the vaccine and they have been tested and receive the results of those tests, and they have all been analysed. there's quite a long way to go before we have that evidence. but evidence is now being gathered. the more people that get vaccinated, the more that body of evidence is growing and the more we will start to know about how protected all of those of us who have not had the vaccine are from those who have had it. that have not had the vaccine are from those who have had it.— those who have had it. that is really interesting. _ those who have had it. that is really interesting. more - those who have had it. that is really interesting. more from | those who have had it. that is i really interesting. more from you those who have had it. that is - really interesting. more from you a little later. thank you very much. let's speak to our europe correspondent gavin lee — who's in brussels. we've got that continuing row. trying to keep up with this in brussels, and we have seen a redacted contract printed out today, released from both sides. some could argue it is all pretty and edifying, and it is pretty upsetting when what we are trying to talk about is getting as many people as possible a vaccine that they so badly need. yes, you are right. that is the dark reality— yes, you are right. that is the dark reality of— yes, you are right. that is the dark reality of all — yes, you are right. that is the dark reality of all this. there are people _ reality of all this. there are people dying. and it also explains why you _ people dying. and it also explains why you have got pressure coming from _ why you have got pressure coming from eu _ why you have got pressure coming from eu countries to the eu commission, the central bodies then putting _ commission, the central bodies then putting pressure on the drugs companies who are saying that they are doing _ companies who are saying that they are doing all that they can. so what has happened, we have had a week of this bubbling row, this ugly dispute. _ this bubbling row, this ugly dispute, as you say. today, the sequence — dispute, as you say. today, the sequence of events where this. the eu commission president spoke publicly— eu commission president spoke publicly and demanded on german radio— publicly and demanded on german radio this — publicly and demanded on german radio this morning that astrazeneca needs_ radio this morning that astrazeneca needs to _ radio this morning that astrazeneca needs to agree to release this contract — needs to agree to release this contract this morning for all to read _ contract this morning for all to read to— contract this morning for all to read to see that "we are right." that— read to see that "we are right." that happened with pages redacted. the eu's_ that happened with pages redacted. the eu's point is that they are right, — the eu's point is that they are right, for— the eu's point is that they are right, for astrazeneca to supply vaccines — right, for astrazeneca to supply vaccines. here are the two points of competing _ vaccines. here are the two points of competing claims. astrazeneca says it only _ competing claims. astrazeneca says it only asked them to release on its best efforts. the eu commission says. _ best efforts. the eu commission says. "no. — best efforts. the eu commission says, "no, nonsense, it is absolutely explicit. " says, "no, nonsense, it is absolutely explicit." the second clairn _ absolutely explicit." the second claim was — absolutely explicit." the second claim was that astrazeneca had said that was— claim was that astrazeneca had said that was the uk sites for the uk and the eu _ that was the uk sites for the uk and the eu sites for eu. what this tells us is _ the eu sites for eu. what this tells us is that, — the eu sites for eu. what this tells us is that, ultimately, there are lots of— us is that, ultimately, there are lots of points within the contract that talk— lots of points within the contract that talk about best reasonable efforts — that talk about best reasonable efforts being made, but i think it is going — efforts being made, but i think it is going to — efforts being made, but i think it is going to come down to a specialist legal interpretation to understand who is absolutely right on this— understand who is absolutely right on this one. understand who is absolutely right on this one-— understand who is absolutely right on this one. ., ,, ., ., ., ., on this one. perhaps more on that to come. we on this one. perhaps more on that to come- we are _ on this one. perhaps more on that to come. we are expecting _ on this one. perhaps more on that to come. we are expecting a _ on this one. perhaps more on that to come. we are expecting a news - come. we are expecting a news briefing this afternoon. just a quick thought, because all this talk and argument about the astrazeneca jab, the eu still hasn't... that and argument about the astrazeneca jab, the eu still hasn't...— jab, the eu still hasn't. .. that is still to come _ jab, the eu still hasn't. .. that is still to come in _ jab, the eu still hasn't. .. that is still to come in the _ jab, the eu still hasn't. .. that is still to come in the next - jab, the eu still hasn't. .. that is still to come in the next hour. . jab, the eu still hasn't. .. that is l still to come in the next hour. the head _ still to come in the next hour. the head of— still to come in the next hour. the head of the — still to come in the next hour. the head of the eu medicines agency, she has indicated that they may go a similar— has indicated that they may go a similar way to germany and have a partial— similar way to germany and have a partial roll—out to regulate the vaccine — partial roll—out to regulate the vaccine from 18—year—olds. they are all going _ vaccine from 18—year—olds. they are all going off — vaccine from 18—year—olds. they are all going off the same data from oxford _ all going off the same data from oxford university. there may not be a roll-out _ oxford university. there may not be a roll-out for — oxford university. there may not be a roll—out for pensioners, and they will use _ a roll—out for pensioners, and they will use instead the visor and moderna _ will use instead the visor and moderna vaccine. that should be with us in about— moderna vaccine. that should be with us in about in our's time. more moderna vaccine. that should be with us in about in our's time.— us in about in our's time. more from ou later us in about in our's time. more from you later as — us in about in our's time. more from you later as well. _ us in about in our's time. more from you later as well. we _ us in about in our's time. more from you later as well. we are _ us in about in our's time. more from you later as well. we are very - us in about in our's time. more from you later as well. we are very much | you later as well. we are very much going to stay with news of vaccines. a lot of positive news has been emerging in terms of the trial results, and where are we in the progress of the scheme across the country generally. professor anthony harnden is deputy chairman of thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation which advises the government on the best strategy for vaccination. he's also a gp and professor of primary care at oxford university. he is talking to us today in a personal capacity, but i'm very pleased to welcome the professor to the programme. pleased to welcome the professor to the programme-— pleased to welcome the professor to the programme._ let's- the programme. afternoon. let's tried to start _ the programme. afternoon. let's tried to start with _ the programme. afternoon. let's tried to start with a _ the programme. afternoon. let's tried to start with a little - tried to start with a little positivity, because we are hearing now about novavax, yen sin, these are jab that have not yet gone through the dilatory approval, but what are your thoughts when you hear about the trial results that are coming out so far? i’m about the trial results that are coming out so far? i'm absolutely deliahted. coming out so far? i'm absolutely delighted. it's _ coming out so far? i'm absolutely delighted. it's tremendous - coming out so far? i'm absolutely - delighted. it's tremendous testament to everybody that has worked tirelessly and quickly developing these vaccines in a very short space of time. and of course we have three which have met regulatory approval in the uk. the novavax and the johnson &johnson one has not come before our regulator yet. but we're really delighted with the two that we are rolling out at the moment, both visor vaccine and the oxford astrazeneca vaccine. and we're pleased with the progress and the numbers of people that we have actually immunised in the country, so it is a great national effort. capacity is increasing, the number of vaccines is increasing. there is a way out of this pandemic that we are in, and the way out is vaccination.— are in, and the way out is vaccination. �*, ., , , ., , vaccination. there's so many strands to all of this- — vaccination. there's so many strands to all of this. in _ vaccination. there's so many strands to all of this. in no _ vaccination. there's so many strands to all of this. in no particular- to all of this. in no particular order, i am to all of this. in no particular order, iam interested to all of this. in no particular order, i am interested to know what you feel still about the vaccine thatis you feel still about the vaccine that is being given in the uk that was meant to be the second dose within just a few weeks, and we all know the debate about extending that gap to as much as 12 weeks. there are still people who are anxious about that. i are still people who are anxious about that-— are still people who are anxious about that. ., �* , ., , ., about that. i don't personally have any anxiety _ about that. i don't personally have any anxiety around _ about that. i don't personally have any anxiety around it, _ about that. i don't personally have any anxiety around it, but - about that. i don't personally have any anxiety around it, but i - about that. i don't personally have any anxiety around it, but i do - any anxiety around it, but i do reflect and understand the anxiety. it has been ourjob to look at the data very, very carefully, and it was quite apparent to us that the visor vaccine, once you unpick the analysis, was highly effective, and that the second dose could be delayed for a number of weeks. in the oxford astrazeneca data, it was even more apparent about the delayed second dose. in fact, it might give better protection. all these vaccines we have are against the same spike protein, which we have now become familiar with in this country. though they have different mechanisms of action, there is no reason to suspect that the final result will be very much different. when we looked at the moderna vaccine, they had a thousand people in their trial which actually had a delayed dose for up to two months, and found a very high efficacy in that particular subset. so we are confident this is the right approach. we do believe there should be a second dose, and we believe that the timing of that second dose may offer better protection. we also understand the more first doses that we can get two people, we can protect those first vulnerable groups that we have identified much, much earlier. and you have to remember that every second dose you give to someone at the moment deny somebody else the first dose. and that could result in a severe illness, including hospitalisation and, unfortunately in some, death. we think our strategy will save thousands and thousands of lives nationally, and we feel it is the right course. nationally, and we feel it is the right course-— nationally, and we feel it is the riaht course. , ,., . ., right course. there is so much more we could talk— right course. there is so much more we could talk about, _ right course. there is so much more we could talk about, but _ right course. there is so much more we could talk about, but i _ right course. there is so much more we could talk about, but i will - we could talk about, but i will leave that for now. because i'm also interested, if we can rewind, to the news that came out of germany yesterday, which of course you will be aware, with germany saying the astrazeneca would not be recommended for use in people over the age of 65. again, people hearing that might have anxieties. they did not say that it was because of safety, important to stress that, but nonetheless can you recognise that that can sow a seed of doubt in this country? that can sow a seed of doubt in this count ? ~ , ,., , that can sow a seed of doubt in this count , country? absolutely. let me reassure our listers country? absolutely. let me reassure your listers that _ country? absolutely. let me reassure your listers that these _ country? absolutely. let me reassure your listers that these vaccines - country? absolutely. let me reassure your listers that these vaccines are i your listers that these vaccines are safe and effective. in terms of the astrazeneca vaccine, there is very good evidence that the antibodies mounted by the older people are very similar to those mounted by the younger people. this looks very good in the old people. in terms of the actual trial itself, it didn't include many of the other groups, mainly because the older groups were starting to enrol from late summer onwards to the astrazeneca trial, and the data cut off point is that we saw was in december. they are collecting more data on that. the data shows that is just the precision of estimate around the effect size. in statistical terms, you come up with an effect size and you come up with an effect size and you put a confidence score, which depends on how many people that you've got within that study, that group, and that confidence interval is wide, but it will narrow as we go along. there is no reason to suggest that the effect size that we have seenin that the effect size that we have seen in the smaller group should not be transmitted to a larger group, so again we have confidence in our approach. the germans have taken a much more cautious approach, and we understand that. that is in the context of them having more visor vaccine than they have oxford astrazeneca vaccine, and therefore they are quite correct, i think, in their decision to be cautious. but we feel we are absolutely right that this is the right decision for the uk. ., , this is the right decision for the uk. . y , ., ~ _, uk. really interesting. thank you for our uk. really interesting. thank you for yourtime- _ uk. really interesting. thank you for your time. i _ uk. really interesting. thank you for your time. i hope _ uk. really interesting. thank you for your time. i hope we - uk. really interesting. thank you for your time. i hope we will - uk. really interesting. thank you for your time. i hope we will have uk. really interesting. thank you i for your time. i hope we will have a chance to talk in the future. a lot of talk about vaccines and we will have more on that in a moment. we have more on that in a moment. we have had the new r—number in. it now stands at between 0.7 and 1.1. it means, on average, every ten people infected with covid will go on to infected with covid will go on to infect between seven and ii infected with covid will go on to infect between seven and 11 other people. that is what that translates to. in terms of the change from last week, a slight change from last week, a slight change from last week, you might remember the figure was between 0.8 and one. a very small shift there. standing between 0.7 and 1.1. that is a nationwide figure. we will be talking later in the afternoon to our head of statistics to talk through all of the day's figures, because there is more data as well from the ons today. schools in northern ireland will stay closed to all but vulnerable children and those of key workers until monday the 8th march at the earliest. the first minister, arlene foster, said whether schools can open fully after that date will depend on the public health situation. our ireland correspondent emma vardy has the latest from belfast. well, look, i don't think it was any great surprise that schools weren't going to be able to reopen just after the february half—term as planned because although we have seen case numbers here falling, the r—number coming down, because of that big spike in cases after christmas the pressure on hospitals really does remain very high here. and we heard this week that the numbers in intensive care reached their highest ever levels, and ministers told the public to expect hospital inpatients numbers to remain a very high for a number of weeks yet to come. so, in light of all that, and the fact that the more transmissible variant of the virus is becoming more common in northern ireland, they had to take this decision to keep schools closed for a bit longer. but it is all going to be kept under review going forward, and a big factor in any future decision about lifting restrictions, of course, is going to be the vaccine roll—out. and the aim here in northern ireland is to have everybody over 65 to have been offered the jab by the end of february. there is a new online booking system which has now gone live for people aged between 65 and 69, but for now ministers are saying they took that decision reluctantly, to keep schools closed for longer. we had the first minister, arlene foster, saying she understands the pressures for parents, that their kitchen table is no substitute for the classroom. but even if they do remain on track for reopening of schools on monday the 8th of march, even then some year groups may have to go back first, prioritising those taking exams. schools in wales could begin to re—open to all pupils after the february half—term, if covid infection rates continue to fall in the coming weeks. the first minister, mark drakeford, said that the current restrictions in wales will stay in place for at least the next three weeks. our wales correspondent tomos morgan is in cardiff. he was praising, really, the result of the people of wales. if you go back before the 19th of december, the rates in wales where the worst across any of the four uk nations, but now we are in a position where rates are coming down, the number of people testing positive is also coming down. the strain on the nhs is starting to ease. also, it appears as though wales is leading the way in terms of the vaccination stats of all the uk nations. this has meant that the first minister and the welsh government have made that decision, that schools will be able to reopen, a phased reopen, from after the half term. it will be the youngest pupils first, there is who the spread of infection is lowest and the threat is lowest to them. they will be consideration in them. they will be consideration in the coming weeks and when to introduce those exam grades, but the first minister did say in his press conference that this would be caveat it if the trends still go in this same direction. it it if the trends still go in this same direction.— same direction. if infections continue — same direction. if infections continue to _ same direction. if infections continue to fall, _ same direction. if infections continue to fall, we - same direction. if infections continue to fall, we want. same direction. if infections continue to fall, we want to | same direction. if infections - continue to fall, we want to see children— continue to fall, we want to see children able to return to school after _ children able to return to school after half — children able to return to school after half term, from the 22nd of february. — after half term, from the 22nd of february, starting with the youngest children— february, starting with the youngest children in— february, starting with the youngest children in our primary schools. and i'm confirming this intention today to give _ i'm confirming this intention today to give as — i'm confirming this intention today to give as much notice as possible to give as much notice as possible to parents. — to give as much notice as possible to parents, teachers and pupils of what _ to parents, teachers and pupils of what we _ to parents, teachers and pupils of what we hope will lie ahead. 30 to parents, teachers and pupils of what we hope will lie ahead. so the first minister _ what we hope will lie ahead. so the first minister saying _ what we hope will lie ahead. so the first minister saying it _ what we hope will lie ahead. so the first minister saying it would - what we hope will lie ahead. so the first minister saying it would be - first minister saying it would be the foundation faces that would be going back first, the youngest years of primary. consideration then to high school over the next few weeks. this has been a long, drawn—out deal with teachers and unions to get the school is open again. it must be said, that there is in vulnerable families and are still able to go to school in some capacity, but the plan is now in place for schools to partially reopen on the 22nd of february. the other thing the first minister did say is that there wouldn't be any real change to the lockdown measures in wales until at least the next review in the next few weeks. so, what it is like on the front line and what are the challenges still facing nhs staff in wales? well, we can speak now to dr dai samuel — a consultant hepatologist and clinical lead for gastroenterology at the royal glamorgan hospital. he joins me from there. a very good afternoon. thank you for your time. a very good afternoon. thank you for yourtime. if a very good afternoon. thank you for your time. if you don't mind, i would like to double—check exactly what your specialist is. i would like to double-check exactly what your specialist is.— what your specialist is. i look after patients _ what your specialist is. i look after patients with _ what your specialist is. i look after patients with chronic i what your specialist is. i look i after patients with chronic liver disease, and i also do endoscopies as well. a real mixed bag. dare disease, and i also do endoscopies as well. a real mixed bag.- as well. a real mixed bag. are you currently looking _ as well. a real mixed bag. are you currently looking after _ as well. a real mixed bag. are you currently looking after those i as well. a real mixed bag. are you currently looking after those sorts| currently looking after those sorts of patients and people dealing with covid as well?— covid as well? yes, and we will mainly be _ covid as well? yes, and we will mainly be looking _ covid as well? yes, and we will mainly be looking after - covid as well? yes, and we will| mainly be looking after patients covid as well? yes, and we will- mainly be looking after patients who are recovering from covid, as well as patients who have been admitted with gastro— allergy problems. i'm in the middle of a clinic right now. i'm still seeing patients with potential cancer, confirmed cancer, a life—threatening disorder that we have to carry on treating during this pandemic.— have to carry on treating during this pandemic. that is interesting in itself. have _ this pandemic. that is interesting in itself. have you _ this pandemic. that is interesting in itself. have you been - this pandemic. that is interesting in itself. have you been able i this pandemic. that is interesting in itself. have you been able to l this pandemic. that is interesting i in itself. have you been able to get some of those people with perhaps a fresh cancer diagnosis, get them through and get them the treatment that they should be happening as quickly as you would like?- quickly as you would like? we've been very fortunate, _ quickly as you would like? we've been very fortunate, actually. i been very fortunate, actually. except for a very small unit during the first wave, we managed to relaunch our services, albeit at a very reduced capacity. and we have managed to get patients through the system, not as quickly as you would in normal times but i think it has to be reflected that the health boards across wales have worked very hard to make that happen. it has been tough, and it probably is a thing that plays on my mind the most now, and has done for months. we know that there are still patients in the system waiting for those tests. . , in the system waiting for those tests. ., , ., ., ., tests. that is not what you train for. you train _ tests. that is not what you train for. you train to _ tests. that is not what you train for. you train to find _ tests. that is not what you train for. you train to find something| for. you train to find something like that as soon as possible, because the quicker you find it, the better the outcomes, broadly speaking stop definitely, and i think working here, we already know that our population's health is probably worse than parts of the uk. they are already at a significantly disadvantage. and this is probably only going to widen that gap between the poorest and the sickest, and the wealthy west and the healthiest. and wealthy west and the healthiest. and the lockdown in wales, we know now is going to continue for at least the next three weeks. is that right in your opinion? annoying i think, yes. without that, we would have _ annoying i think, yes. without that, we would have been _ annoying i think, yes. without that, we would have been overwhelmed i annoying i think, yes. without that, i we would have been overwhelmed and we would have been overwhelmed and we got pretty close to that but we just about got through, but speaking as a dad, someone whose children are in school and someone who is in an area that is already disadvantaged at times, i really feel for this impact on the livelihoods of people, businesses, mental health, and as a community and the whole i drive home every night and see all these shops, both pubs in the village have been closed for the past year. the wider implications of this lockdown will have to be acknowledged. but it is probably the right thing to do. but at some point we need a clear timetable so that people can at least plan and accept we will be in lockdown for 3—6 weeks to come. you lockdown for 3-6 weeks to come. you have lockdown for 3—6 weeks to come. you have articulated the difficulties there brilliantly. in your role as a dad, are you pleased to hear mark drakeford starting to talk about, let's try and see whether we can get some children back into school post february half term? mr; some children back into school post february half term?— february half term? my schooling techniaue february half term? my schooling technique is _ february half term? my schooling technique is probably _ february half term? my schooling technique is probably not - february half term? my schooling technique is probably not up i february half term? my schooling technique is probably not up to i february half term? my schooling j technique is probably not up to it! i have tried to attempt to school my girls. i was counting my three times table last night. i think that will not have to carry on much longer but he has been in a very difficult position, mark drakeford. and i think our schools as well, these are exceptionally difficult circumstances and providing work for our children and that has to be acknowledged. it's notjust doctors and nurses and heroes on the front line but everyone together, and i have to acknowledge that. it’s a have to acknowledge that. it's a real pleasure — have to acknowledge that. it's a real pleasure to _ have to acknowledge that. it's a real pleasure to talk _ have to acknowledge that. it's a real pleasure to talk to - have to acknowledge that. it's a real pleasure to talk to you, i have to acknowledge that. it's a real pleasure to talk to you, thank you for giving us your time and thank you for everything you and your colleagues are doing. the clinical lead for gastroenterology at the royal glamorgan hospital. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. it was a very wet night in places once again with localised flooding, huge puddles on the road, and further rain and hill snow across the north of the uk. this petering out for the rest of the day, mild across the south, but overnight that colder air in the north will push its way southwards and we will start to see a band of heavy and persistent rain spreading up from the south—west. temperatures again fairly mild in the south—west compared to further north where we will see frost and ice. through saturday, we have concerns with this rain but being up in the colder it turns to sleet and snow, initially over the higher ground and then the midlands. strong easterly winds and drifting of the snow over the welsh hills with significant accumulations here. further north brighter pecco day where ever you are. it's a repeat performance into sunday, further rain, sleet and snow, it will remain cold for all this weekend. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... the eu publishes the contract it signed with astrazeneca for millions of doses of its covid vaccine in a continuing row about shortages. a decision is expected later on whether the astrazeneca vaccine will be authorised for full use across the eu, with some questioning its efficacy in the over—65s. in the uk, a new coronavirus vaccine, which will be largely manufactured in teeside, is shown to be 89% effective in trials. scientists welcome the announcement. this is remarkable and i think unprecedented that there should be such a rich abundance of approaches, all of which are successful. and new data shows another covid—i9 vaccine developed in the us that may only require a single dose is 66% effective. in other news, primary schools in wales could reopen to all pupils after half term though the nationwide lockdown will continue. thousands of volunteers helping the nhs with the vaccine roll—out will be prioritised for a jab. and no glastonbury for us but, in new zealand, music lovers can gather for concerts. we hear from what could be the biggest live act in the world at the moment. sport now and for a full round up from the bbc sport centre, here's olly foster. good afternoon. ole gunnar solskjaer and san allardyce says more has to be done to to combat online racist abuse. manchester united players anthony martial and axel tuanzebe were both targeted this week, and west bromwich albion have contacted the police following what they have described as an abhorrent message sent to their midfielder, romaine sawyers, in the wake of their defeat to manchester city. it's extremely upsetting. we have gone through the right course, the right channels, and we will see what the outcome will be. it is obviously listening to the news today, he has suffered throughout football in the last few days and yet again, so it really does become a greater and more thing to put right. but where does it live, who doesn't lie with? that social media platforms need to be looked _ that social media platforms need to be looked if you can create anonymous accounts, you can abuse people _ anonymous accounts, you can abuse people it's— anonymous accounts, you can abuse people. it's not right. we will work together— people. it's not right. we will work together with everyone to stop this nonsense — west ham have signed said benrahma on a permanent basis, and that frees up a loan spot forjesse lingard. benrahma joined from brentford on deadline day in the october transfer window and he's now signed a contract until 2026. that paves the way for lingard's loan move from manchester united for the rest of the season. west ham are fifth in the premier league table, six points behind the leaders manchester city. england manager gareth southgate is taking part in a study researching possible links between football and dementia. he said that, now he is 50, he is eligible to volunteer for the heading study at the london school of hygiene and tropical medicine, which is backed by the fa. he hopes the research can provide crucial insight, and he's urged other former players to take part. there's good news ahead of the rugby union six nations championship, with progress on the quarantine situation in france. the french government has approved the covid—i9 protocols put forward and, although exemptions for travel into the country have yet to be finalised, it's a positive step. france's first home game is against scotland on the 28th of february. robert macintyre is one shot off the lead at the dubai desert classic. the scotsman is in good form at the moment. europe's ryder cup captain, padraig harrington, will have enjoyed macintyre's round of 68. that took him to 9—under—par, just behind belgium's thomas detry. tommy fleetwood is two off the pace. spinner nauman ali made a magnificent debut for pakistan, giving them a seven—wicket victory over south africa in the first test in karachi. he took 5 for 35, brushing aside the visitors' tail and leaving pakistan to chase just 88 runs for victory, which they reached with ease and with a day to spare. the second and final test starts on thursday before three t20 games. this is south africa's first tour to pakistan in ia years. the former england netball coach, tracey neville, has taken on a key role with manchester thunder. it's her firstjob in the sport since she stood down from the england role after a successful four years, which included winning commonwealth games gold in 2018. before that, she was a player and head coach at thunder and in the newly—created role of technical operations director. neville will work alongside the coaching team on matchdays and she'll be responsible for the club's performance strategy. some of the players who've been in quarantine in adelaide ahead of the australian open have been taking part in an exhibition event. serena williams was given a grand entrance onto court, and she got the better of naomi osaka in a long three—setter. they were delighted to have 4,000 fans there. we haven't played in front of a crowd for over a year, so it's been a really long time, so this is really cool and for having us entrusting us with your loads and we were so happy be here. that's all the sport for now. latest figures from the office for national statistics suggest that the number of people with coronavirus has changed little in the week to the 23rd january, with the number of infections remaining high across the uk. the bbc�*s head of statistics robert cuffe explained more. the rates are just below one or 2% across the nations of the uk, 2.5% in london or the north—west, but crucially, the unfortunate news here is not coming down. they are lower in england and wales than before that christmas bike and there is evidence that the sharp rise we saw last week in northern ireland is hopefully coming to an end, but it's a reminder that the lockdown we are in at the moment, which is less stringent or less harsh than last spring, is up against a more infectious virus and up against winter. there is a slight puzzle on these figures because the number of people going into hospital with coronavirus is coming down, and the number of cases every down —— everyday has been coming down for a while. we pay attention to these numbers because they give us a clear picture of infections. they pick people at random to test, meaning they pick up people who would not show up on the other numbers because they never get sick or they never come forward for testing. you have got these very different pictures but it's giving us a clear picture of infections. the thing that will resolve this puzzle is understanding how those infections play through into sickness and ultimately death and it's a developing picture, so it will be sometime time until we get the answer to that puzzle and see how it plays out against the backdrop of all the vaccinations that are hopefully bringing us good news. since speaking to robert, figures have also been published showing the r rate — that's the average number of people that each person with covid—i9 goes on to infect. in the uk, it's now estimated to be between 0.7 and 1.1. a figure below one means the epidemic is shrinking. last week, the figure was 0.8 to i. let's discuss this with professor deirdre hollingsworth, who is an infectious disease modeller at the university of oxford. she's also a member of the scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling but is speaking today in a personal capacity. shejoins me now. if we reflect on those ons figures first of all, essentially rates not coming down, is that what we take from it, is that a dispiriting picture? i from it, is that a dispiriting icture? ~ , , picture? i think it is disappointing and as your _ picture? i think it is disappointing and as your reporter _ picture? i think it is disappointing and as your reporter was - picture? i think it is disappointing and as your reporter was saying i picture? i think it is disappointing i and as your reporter was saying it's and as your reporter was saying it's a random sample of the population, so we think it's more representative of what is going on than testing but it's not a perfect survey that we have to agree to be part of. and it's not a perfect survey that we have to agree to be part of. and it is a lot of this _ have to agree to be part of. and it is a lot of this still _ have to agree to be part of. and it is a lot of this still about - have to agree to be part of. and it is a lot of this still about the i have to agree to be part of. and it is a lot of this still about the newl is a lot of this still about the new variant? it seems to be more infectious, we are learning all the time, is this essentially what we are looking at here?— are looking at here? there is a sianal are looking at here? there is a signal from — are looking at here? there is a signal from the _ are looking at here? there is a signal from the new— are looking at here? there is a signal from the new variant i are looking at here? there is a l signal from the new variant that are looking at here? there is a i signal from the new variant that is seems to be more transmissible and the consequence of that is that changes in our behaviour which previously would have reduced transmission are no longer having the same effect, so we are likely to be more stringent in changes of behaviour to bring it below one. and behaviour to bring it below one. and in order to get numbers down further then, because of the nature of its transmissibility, does that mean actually the only way for any society to really bring the numbers down would be to do something that some people would consider unpalatable, to have a very, very harsh lockdown and say to people, you can't go to work unless you work on the nhs or police and be really brutal about it? i on the nhs or police and be really brutal about it?— brutal about it? i think it's important _ brutal about it? i think it's important to _ brutal about it? i think it's important to remember. brutal about it? i think it's i important to remember there's brutal about it? i think it's - important to remember there's still a lot of uncertainty. estimates last week were 0.8 until one and now they are 0.7 untili.i, week were 0.8 until one and now they are 0.7 until 1.1, and we are still are 0.7 until 1.1, and we are still a point where there is a lot of uncertainty because we are getting different signals from random surveys which suggest that things are roughly staying the same versus the testing data which suggests the number of positive tests are struggling sharply, so we're still in a place where we need to wait a couple more weeks to see the effect of this lockdown. 50 couple more weeks to see the effect of this lockdown.— of this lockdown. so in terms of the oliticians of this lockdown. so in terms of the politicians who _ of this lockdown. so in terms of the politicians who have _ of this lockdown. so in terms of the politicians who have to _ of this lockdown. so in terms of the politicians who have to ultimately i politicians who have to ultimately make the decisions on what to do or what not to do in wider society, at the moment then right now it's a waiting game? you would argue there is nothing more than could ever change in the next few weeks because we need to see more data in a few weeks' time? we we need to see more data in a few weeks" time?— we need to see more data in a few weeks' time? ~ ., , ., weeks' time? we need to understand this discrepancy. _ weeks' time? we need to understand this discrepancy, and _ weeks' time? we need to understand this discrepancy, and that _ weeks' time? we need to understand this discrepancy, and that will- weeks' time? we need to understand this discrepancy, and that will take i this discrepancy, and that will take a few more weeks.— this discrepancy, and that will take a few more weeks. what would your best auess a few more weeks. what would your best guess be... _ a few more weeks. what would your best guess be... do _ a few more weeks. what would your best guess be... do all— a few more weeks. what would your best guess be... do all your - a few more weeks. what would your best guess be... do all your friends| best guess be... do all your friends ask you this all the time, what predictions from you given your specialism as to where it is going and how much longer we will all be living like this for? fit and how much longer we will all be living like this for?— living like this for? of course everybody — living like this for? of course everybody wants _ living like this for? of course everybody wants to - living like this for? of course everybody wants to know i living like this for? of course everybody wants to know the living like this for? of course - everybody wants to know the answer to that question and the reasons we don't have the answer to that question are we don't fully understand the transmission rate of this variant, number two we have these discrepant sources, data, giving us different messages and is also affected by human behaviour, infectious diseases are societal problems and we don't know how human behaviour will change in the next few weeks. we behaviour will change in the next few weeks-— behaviour will change in the next few weeks. behaviour will change in the next fewweeks. ~ ., , ., ~ few weeks. we have been talking so much today — few weeks. we have been talking so much today about _ few weeks. we have been talking so much today about vaccines - few weeks. we have been talking so much today about vaccines and i few weeks. we have been talking so much today about vaccines and to i much today about vaccines and to what extent and our optimism, it's nice to have some optimism about something, the vaccine programme is still in relatively early days, can we say that, and it's a long way until we are a long way off the impact of the vaccine programme being seen?— being seen? there are different asects being seen? there are different aspects to _ being seen? there are different aspects to the _ being seen? there are different aspects to the impact _ being seen? there are different aspects to the impact of - being seen? there are different aspects to the impact of the i being seen? there are different i aspects to the impact of the vaccine programme, the majority of deaths in 2020 from coronavirus were among the older age groups who were at higher risk and the coverage of the vaccine in those groups has increased —— is improving all the time so we will hope to see the impact of that on deaths in a matter of weeks, but the impact on transmission we will not know for much longer.— impact on transmission we will not know for much longer. thank you very much for your— know for much longer. thank you very much for your time _ know for much longer. thank you very much for your time for _ know for much longer. thank you very much for your time for now, _ know for much longer. thank you very much for your time for now, thank i much for your time for now, thank you very much. britain formally left the european union a year ago, but it was only last month that it came out of the key economic institutions — the eu's single market and customs union. it was a pivotal moment of change for businesses on both sides. just days ahead of the deadline, britain and the eu did manage to seal an agreement, but it has not all been plain sailing. our economics correspondent, andrew walker, reports. a month ago, the european union and britain signed a trade deal. here is, folks, this is it. it means british and eu goods can be exported from one to the other free of tariffs or trade taxes. but there are new barriers. the issue is most acute for businesses that deal with perishable goods, such as fresh seafood, where a host of new checks and paperwork are required to sell into the eu. it was a very serious problem for this scottish supplier who spoke to the bbc in mid—january. tens of thousands of pounds a week that we are losing. we can't continue to lose that. we sent stuff to europe last week, it took five days to arrive. it arrived dead and rotten. even within the uk, the special arrangements for northern ireland have led to delays and some supermarkets did initially struggle to fill their shelves, and there are still problems for some retailers. in england, tricker�*s, an upmarket shoemaker, is facing new difficulties with paperwork and tax. the managing director was relieved about the trade deal. what we hadn't been prepared for, and i think this applies to any business in the uk, is all the extra costs that have come from this. the barriers are also affecting some goods going from the eu to the uk. some suppliers, mainly small ones, are temporarily refusing to ship to britain. i've got the website here of one in finland that supplies outdoor clothing. at the top of its homepage it says, "no delivery to the uk just now". here's a similar message from a belgian beer supplier. some of the disruption is surely short—term. businesses will adapt. the british prime minister says the deal is a success. we've taken back control. of our laws and our destiny. of everyjot and tittle of our regulation in a way - that is complete and unfettered. that sovereignty question is central for brexit supporters but it comes at the cost of more difficult trade with britain's biggest commercial partner. andrew walker, bbc news. natasha bowes is founder and managing director of biotiful dairy, which exports the cultured dairy drink kefir to ireland, france and the middle east. how much has your life changed in the last month?— the last month? been very interesting _ the last month? been very interesting for _ the last month? been very interesting for us, - the last month? been very interesting for us, and i the last month? been very interesting for us, and it's| the last month? been very i interesting for us, and it's not all that bad, i have to say. as we have been developing our export operations, it's actually been a bit easierfor us to be operations, it's actually been a bit easier for us to be doing all fresh in the new environments compared to probably the bigger companies who have been doing for a while and have to change their ways. i have to say that neither party on either side had particularly enjoyed the uncertainty in the run—up to the brexit deal, however, the great uses we have the deal that does not have a duty barrier that we all feared, and that certainly gives us an opportunity to develop trade faster and stronger than we could have. so the run—up to the deadline was a bit stressful, but you feel already, here we are late january, its bedding in as far as you are concerned? presumably new processes but processes you feel able to get used to. . �* , but processes you feel able to get used to. ., �*, _, . used to. that's correct. the element of uncertainty _ used to. that's correct. the element of uncertainty all _ used to. that's correct. the element of uncertainty all the _ used to. that's correct. the element of uncertainty all the way _ used to. that's correct. the element of uncertainty all the way to - used to. that's correct. the element of uncertainty all the way to the i of uncertainty all the way to the conclusion of the brexit deal meant that the preparation has been fast but nevertheless convoluted. the hardest part has actually been in waiting for the retailers on the eu side to come to decisions, whether to list our products or wait longer until there is certainty. as soon as the deal was done, frankly, a lot of sales leads were converted and if anything it is accelerating now. yes, there is an extra burden of paperwork, yes, it is difficult to automate at the moment because things are changing, we are doing it to set up eu subsidiaries, but we can trade, so frankly it has been a very positive experience of the industry coming together, collaborating.— industry coming together, collaboratinu. , , collaborating. you're still smiling, so i take collaborating. you're still smiling, so i take that _ collaborating. you're still smiling, so i take that as _ collaborating. you're still smiling, so i take that as a _ collaborating. you're still smiling, so i take that as a good _ collaborating. you're still smiling, so i take that as a good sign. if. so i take that as a good sign. if you can try and look ahead and think, in a yearfrom now, will any teething troubles that you have had, for they have ironed out, do you think, the issues that you did mention with people who wanted to buy your products and other parts of... in the eu, as i have to learn to say, will that will be ironed out in a year from to say, will that will be ironed out in a yearfrom now, things to say, will that will be ironed out in a year from now, things will be a lot easier?— lot easier? the future will show. i ou . ht to lot easier? the future will show. i ought to be _ lot easier? the future will show. i ought to be optimistic _ lot easier? the future will show. i ought to be optimistic so - lot easier? the future will show. i ought to be optimistic so i - lot easier? the future will show. i ought to be optimistic so i would l ought to be optimistic so i would say yes, a lot of things we are dealing with are not rocket science, they are not particularly complicated in the way that a business would not be able to deal with, we are an sme, we are a small company, we do things very quickly. the more fundamental question is of course in relevance of the british goods to the eu customers we are very fortunate in that we make natural products here in the uk, because fear is a fermented milk drink, it's a natural product that supports immunity and gut health, there are very few things that are higher on the consumer's agenda in the uk and the eu, and fundamentally therefore there is demand, and that is what they respond to positively. good to have some positivity. thank you very much for now. let's cross now to brussels, where the european commision is announcing its plans to introduce a control of vaccines exported from the eu. this increased transparency will also come with the responsibility for the eu to authorise with our member states these vaccine exports, and we do this for three reasons. firstly to ensure we can continue to work on the basis of evidence and complete information, secondly to reinforce our capacity to deliver on the purchase agreements so that citizens from the eu and beyond can access vaccines, and finally to protect the integrity of our substantial investment from the eu budget. this is our insurance policy. in this endeavour, our commitment to global responsibility is unwavering. we will continue to support access to safe and effective vaccines for all of our neighbours in low and middle income countries through novovax because this priority continues to be as high as it has been from day one. humanitarian shipments and donations will not be affected, nor will it affect our neighbours. i also want to be clear about the fact that we, the commission, member states and companies have done an exceptional effort to distribute vaccines in this effort will and must continue on all sides, and it depends on all parties living to their contractual, social and moral responsibilities. today we take a step in ensuring accountability continues to be one of the key principles of our commitment to citizens, thank you. thank you. we will take a few questions _ thank you. we will take a few questions. let— thank you. we will take a few questions. let me _ thank you. we will take a few questions. let me start- thank you. we will take a few questions. let me start with i thank you. we will take a few i questions. let me start withjacob. you have _ questions. let me start withjacob. you have the — questions. let me start withjacob. you have the floor. _ questions. let me start withjacob. you have the floor. i— questions. let me start with jacob. you have the floor.— you have the floor. i wanted to ask how... apologies, _ you have the floor. i wanted to ask how... apologies, we _ you have the floor. i wanted to ask how... apologies, we will - you have the floor. i wanted to ask how... apologies, we will leave i you have the floor. i wanted to ask. how... apologies, we will leave that session there. _ how... apologies, we will leave that session there. we _ how... apologies, we will leave that session there. we will _ how... apologies, we will leave that session there. we will try _ how... apologies, we will leave that session there. we will try to - how... apologies, we will leave that session there. we will try to find i session there. we will try to find out what else was said and keep an eye or ear across the question and answer session as well because something may emerge from that. we went to it because there is a lot of debate, a big row about the astrazeneca vaccine and the eu without contract being published today, a redacted version of that, anyway. we will try to assess a bit more about what is going on at that news conference and more and vaccines coming up after three. it was a very wet night in places once again with localised flooding, huge puddles on the road, and further rain and hill snow across the north of the uk. this petering out for the rest of the day, mild across the south, but overnight that colder air in the north will push its way southwards and we will start to see a band of heavy and persistent rain spreading up from the south—west. temperatures again fairly mild in the south—west compared to further north, where we will see frost and ice. through saturday, we have concerns with this rain but being up in the colder it turns to sleet and snow, initially over the higher ground and then the midlands. strong easterly winds and drifting of the snow over the welsh hills with significant accumulations here. further north brighter but a cold day whereever you are. it's a repeat performance into sunday, further rain, sleet and snow, it will remain cold for all this weekend. the next three weeks. is that right in your opinion? this is bbc news. the headlines... the eu publishes the contract it signed with astrazeneca for millions of doses of its covid vaccine, in a continuing row about shortages. a decision is expected later on whether the astrazeneca vaccine will be authorised for full use across the eu — with some questioning its efficacy in the over 65s. a new coronavirus vaccine, which will be largely manufactured in teeside, is shown to be 89% effective in trials. scientists welcome th news. remarkable. unprecedented that they should _ remarkable. unprecedented that they should be _ remarkable. unprecedented that they should be such a rich abundant. and new data shows another covid—i9 vaccine developed in the us that may only require a single dose is 66% effective in other news, primary schools in wales could re—open to all pupils after half term — though the nationwide lockdown will continue. hello, good afternoon. in the next hour, the european medicines agency is expected to approve the oxford—astrazeneca covid vaccine for use in the eu. the uk has been using thatjab in its mass immunisation programme for weeks now. meanwhile, the european commission has published a redacted version of its contract with the pharmaceutical giant in a continuing row about supplies. a contract was signed in august for 300 million doses, but the firm has slowed deliveries to the bloc because of production problems. nick beake reports from brussels. revealed in black and white, the contract at the heart of this spiralling international row. the deal was signed between the eu and the covid vaccine maker astrazeneca. but millions of doses won't be arriving on time. both sides still claim they're in the right. translation: there is no priority in the contract. the contract is crystal clear. there is a binding order and no other requirement that needs to be met. we wouldn't even have these production capacities if the eu hadn't invested in the companies in advance. this unremarkable industrial estate in belgium is now an important location in this bitter argument. investigators were asked by the eu to come here and check whether astrazeneca were telling the truth about production problems that they have contributed to this shortfall of the jabs. the stand—off could affect the supply of other vaccines, including pfizer's. the eu is now taking tougher action to hold on to doses made in europe. if it's not getting its fair share, exports to countries, including britain, could be blocked. a former head of the uk's vaccine task force said she hoped that wouldn't happen. i don't think that the idea that there are going to be trade barriers is something that we should be considering. it's all about how can we collectively vaccinate all of those who are at risk as quickly as possible. the eu is finally expected to approve the astrazeneca vaccine this afternoon, although reportedly not for the over 65s. not because they think it's unsafe. they say they want to see more evidence in that age category. translation: today, the european agency is likely to approve another vaccine. we're not expecting authorisation without limits, though. as we've been saying for the last few days, the data for older people is not sufficient. british authorities say they're completely confident the vaccine is safe for all ages. and downing street insists the supply of vaccines in the uk is secure. specialist lawyers are now pouring over the details of this disputed contract between the eu and astrazeneca that has been published. the company insists it has done nothing wrong. no—one wants a legal battle. what europe really needs are many more vaccines. nick beake, bbc news, brussels. another, different, coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be more than 89% effective in trials — and is the first that has been proven to be effective against the new variant identified as circulating widely in the uk. the novavax jab was developed by an american company, and still has to be approved by medicines regulators — but the government has already ordered 60 million doses. much of the manufacturing is being done in stockton—on—tees. our health correspondent anna collinson reports. at a time when many needed a boost, it's hoped that another powerful weapon against the coronavirus is within reach. new data suggest the novavax vaccine offers strong protection, with the results described as spectacular. more than 15,000 volunteers took part in the large uk trial. crucially, over half of the covid—19 cases recorded came from the variant found in the uk. with an overall efficacy of 89%, it could be the firstjab which shows it works against the original and new strains. i guess the bad news is that there was lots of virus circulating in the uk during our trial. but that's good news if you're trying to develop a vaccine, because you've got lots of the infection around and you can show that you're vaccine actually works. one concern is that the novavax jab doesn't appear to offer as much protection against the south african variant, but the company says the efficacy was above people's expectations. the next big step is for the uk's regulator to give novavax the greenlight, which could take weeks. so far, three vaccines have been approved, with astrazeneca and pfizer already being rolled out, and 17 million moderna doses expected in the spring. novavax could provide a further boost to the uk, with 60 million doses ordered. like astrazeneca, the novavax jab can be stored in a regular which means, if and when it's approved, it will be easier to get it out to patients. this is a completely different sort of vaccine. it's actually a more conventional vaccine. it's a purified protein which is then formulated to induce a very good immune response, and i'm really delighted that we've got yet a third basic approach to vaccination which seems to give such high protection. this is remarkable. i think unprecedented. one of those who took part in the trial was the minister responsible for the vaccine roll—out. in a tweet, nadhim zahawi praised the encouraging results and confirmed some manufacturing will take place here. novavax is a us vaccine, but some of it is due to be made in stockton—on—tees. though a warning — it won't happen overnight. itjust takes time, and we are growing up mammalian cells from low volumes up to the high 1,000—litre volumes, and it is very complicated. so growing these cells is not predictable or linear, but i'm but i'm confident they'll get there. but the vaccine will not be rolling out tomorrow. while tempering expectations, the former head of the uk's vaccine task force is still delighted. when i heard the news last night, i'm afraid i broke the dry january rule and celebrated with a glass of wine. for many, the light at the end of the tunnel has got that much brighter. anna collinson, bbc news. i'v e i've been talking to our health correspondent for more on that. we are now correspondent for more on that. - are now looking at a growing arsenal of vaccines that are targeting the coronavirus. we heard within the last hour or so about the vaccine owned byjohnson &johnson, the big pharmaceutical company. we know that the clinical evidence for that vaccine has come in. it has got a global effectiveness figure. it was a very big trial. a4,000 people in eight different countries, spread over three different continents. the global effectiveness figure for that was 66%, so bit lower than some of the other vaccines that have reportedly up to 95% effectiveness. are different in different areas. the effectiveness was 72% in the united states, but lower in places like south africa, where it was 57%, and latin america, where it was 66%, so quite a wide variety. but it aims to do, was to give protection against moderate and severe cases of covid—19. that was the bar that they were judging themselves against. so they say it was 85% effective in stopping severe cases of covid and hospitalisation. on that basis, i think you can say it was effective. where are we broadly... how much do we know about vaccines and, once you've had them, whether you can still transmit to other people? i appreciate that these are very big question is, but how much to we know yet about all of that? i question is, but how much to we know yet about all of that?— yet about all of that? i think there are still a lot _ yet about all of that? i think there are still a lot of _ yet about all of that? i think there are still a lot of things _ yet about all of that? i think there are still a lot of things we - yet about all of that? i think there are still a lot of things we don't i are still a lot of things we don't know. and that has been the case with this pesky virus ever since a year ago, when the first cases were identified here in the uk. we know that the vaccine will stop people getting infected, will stop the vast majority of people from developing severe symptoms. we don't know whether that means they cannot still carry the virus and pass it on to others. we won't know that until many more people have had the vaccine and they have been tested and we see the results of those tests and they all be analysed. there's quite a long way to go, i think, before we get that evidence. that is the good news. the more people that vaccinated, the more that body of evidence is growing, and the more we will start to know about how protected all of those of us who have not had the vaccine are from those people who have had it. in the last few moments, we are hearing that the european medicines agency has indeed given the go—ahead for the astrazeneca jab to be used across the eu, so that has just come through. we were thinking that that was going to happen, but we have just had confirmation that that has indeed gone through. it is a jab that has been used in this country for some weeks. that has just been sanctioned by the european medicines agency. and doubtless we will be talking a bit more about that, particularly given the continuing row between the commission and astrazeneca about the supply of the jab. there is more on that to come. before that, let us reflect on some more figures out here today in the uk, because we have had the new are a number today. the uk's r—rate has been published — that's the average number of people that each person with covid—19 goes on to infect. it's now estimated to be between 0.7 and 1.1. a figure below one means the epidemic is shrinking. last week the figure was 0.8 to 1. so it is actually slightly wider. professor deirdre hollingsworth is an infectious disease modeller at the university of oxford. she talks to me a little earlier. i think it is disappointing. it is a random — think it is disappointing. it is a random sample of the population, so we think— random sample of the population, so we think it _ random sample of the population, so we think it is more represented tiff of what _ we think it is more represented tiff of what is — we think it is more represented tiff of what is going on. it is not a perfect — of what is going on. it is not a perfect survey. people have to agree to be part _ perfect survey. people have to agree to be part of it. but it is disappointing. its to be part of it. but it is disappointing.— to be part of it. but it is disappointing. to be part of it. but it is disauointina. ., ., , disappointing. as a lot of this still about — disappointing. as a lot of this still about the _ disappointing. as a lot of this still about the new _ disappointing. as a lot of this still about the new variant? i disappointing. as a lot of this j still about the new variant? it seems to be more infectious. we are learning all the time, but is this essentially what we are looking at here? , , ., , ., ., here? yes. there is a signal from the new variant _ here? yes. there is a signal from the new variant that _ here? yes. there is a signal from the new variant that it _ here? yes. there is a signal from the new variant that it seems i here? yes. there is a signal from the new variant that it seems to i here? yes. there is a signal from i the new variant that it seems to be more _ the new variant that it seems to be more transmissible, and that means that changes in our behaviour that would _ that changes in our behaviour that would have — that changes in our behaviour that would have completely reduced transmission previously are no longer— transmission previously are no longer having the same effect. and so we _ longer having the same effect. and so we are _ longer having the same effect. and so we are likely to need more stringent _ so we are likely to need more stringent changes in behaviour to bring _ stringent changes in behaviour to bring some of the letter are below one _ ido i do apologise. i was going to tell you about sanctioning the astrazeneca jab, but we know that. let us talk about the other story involving europe. in the past few minutes the european union has confirmed its introducing export controls on coronavirus vaccines. individual member states will decide whether to allow exports of vaccines produced in their territory. a european commissioner said it was being introduced to enhance transparency and to ensure that all eu citizens had access to vaccines. this relates to the news conference that we try to hear from in the last half an hour or so. there are a lot of questions being put to that news conference. that is the essence of what they have been saying. let us hear a little bit more. this approach _ hear a little bit more. this approach is _ hear a little bit more. this approach is built _ hear a little bit more. this approach is built on - hear a little bit more. this approach is built on trust, | approach is built on trust, transparency and responsibility. commitment is to be kept and contracts— commitment is to be kept and contracts are binding. advance purchase — contracts are binding. advance purchase agreements need to be respected. today, we have developed a system _ respected. today, we have developed a system that will allow us to know where _ a system that will allow us to know where the — a system that will allow us to know where the vaccines are being exported _ where the vaccines are being exported from the eu, this includes the macro— exported from the eu, this includes the macro increases transparency. and we _ the macro increases transparency. and we do— the macro increases transparency. and we do this for three reasons. firstly, _ and we do this for three reasons. firstly, to — and we do this for three reasons. firstly, to ensure that we can continue _ firstly, to ensure that we can continue to work on the basis of evidence — continue to work on the basis of evidence and complete information. secondly, _ evidence and complete information. secondly, to reinforce our capacity to deliver — secondly, to reinforce our capacity to deliver on the advance purchase agreements so that citizens from the eu and _ agreements so that citizens from the eu and beyond can access vaccines. and finally, — eu and beyond can access vaccines. and finally, to protect the integrity of our substantial investments from the eu budget. this is an insurance policy. let's speak to our europe correspondent gavin lee — who's in brussels. what is behind all of this is after the at this row is not going away. about a quarter of what astrazeneca is expecting in the next two months, and before that the problem of delivery and doses for pfizer. the likes of spain having to postpone the vaccine roll out. we heard earlier this week there was going to be a new mechanism in place, the expert transparency mechanism, and which at first we were told all companies, pharmaceutical companies, with bases in the eu had to notify member states. that is growing. what's happened is that germany said a need to be a notification system where we can approve what leaves the territory. that is what we are looking at today. that is what the hell commissioner was talking about. she says this is our insurance policy for the eu. if you are a big company like pfizer, that is coming from belgium. what would happen in future is that pfizer, would say to the belgian authorities, here is our form but is leaving to the uk, they will have roughly 2a hours to make a decision to save, first of all, on the basis of that, is the approval system for vaccines in europe. if yes, carry on. if not, they can block that. this will have a big impact now on supplies. the other commissioner was asked, "is this targeting the uk?" his answer was, "there is no country being targeted. this is our new mechanism to protect our supplies." edi this is our new mechanism to protect our sopplies- "— our supplies." of course, any country that _ our supplies." of course, any country that is _ our supplies." of course, any country that is signed - our supplies." of course, any country that is signed up i our supplies." of course, any country that is signed up to i our supplies." of course, any i country that is signed up to get any vaccine wants it. we are in a pandemic, of course they want the jab for their citizens. to what extent, if at all, it is all of this have something to do with brexit? yes, it is a very good point, and this is something that was raised. i rated privately with eu officials. there is a sense that there have been issues with the uk on the uk not recognising the diplomats to the uk. with this, the eu insists this is not about brexit, this is a far more serious in their view. this is about people who are dying, pressures and all of these governments, france, italy, the netherlands, they want to know what has happened to this astrazeneca shortfall that they haven't been able to make up. this was a raid on able to make up. this was a raid on a premises in belgium, on wednesday, where investigators looked at the site because they didn't quite believe that the eu had sent these commissions whether they had stock, or indeed they had sold those supplies to the uk. that is going on underneath all of this. it is a continuing row with the eu. it is a potential insurance policy.- potential insurance policy. thank ou so potential insurance policy. thank you so much _ potential insurance policy. thank you so much for— potential insurance policy. thank you so much for now. _ potential insurance policy. thank you so much for now. perhaps i potential insurance policy. thank i you so much for now. perhaps more from you a little later. let's stay with this if we can. steve peers is a professor of world trade law & eu law at the university of essex. thank you forjoining us so quickly. your thoughts about what you are hearing coming out of the eu this afternoon. �* , ., ., ~' hearing coming out of the eu this afternoon. �* , ., ., ,, ., afternoon. i've 'ust looked at their auestion afternoon. i've 'ust looked at their question and — afternoon. i've just looked at their question and answers, _ afternoon. i've just looked at their question and answers, and - afternoon. i've just looked at their question and answers, and i i afternoon. i've just looked at their question and answers, and i think| afternoon. i've just looked at their i question and answers, and i think as your corresponding missing the idea is that each export will have to be authorised outside the eu. there's lots of exemptions for many countries, there would have to be an expert authorisation for the us. comes down to each shipment, the member states allow that expert to go ahead or not. so you will have a lot of difficult phone calls between the company and the authorities in each country in the commission over the next two months. i each country in the commission over the next two months.— the next two months. i wanted to sa , is the next two months. i wanted to say. is this _ the next two months. i wanted to say. is this an _ the next two months. i wanted to say, is this an unusual— say, is this an unusual circumstance? would you have expected it to go this way? it's unusual because it is a pandemic that we didn't know about a year ago. from your perspective, as a law expert, is what is being said to be expected under the circumstances? well, i suppose so. politically, expected under the circumstances? well, isuppose so. politically, it is difficult for the eu to be in the position that it is in. it didn't expect to have the supply shortages, and from the eu's point of view they had a contract, they gave money to astrazeneca, so where are the vaccines? from the uk's point of view, they want the vaccines, too. so there is a conflict between the company doing contract and its two main contractors that cannot easily be resolved with the amount of supply that they have now as compared to the amount of supply from other companies. 50 something has to give, unless the eu would be expected to shrug its shoulders, and politically it's just not going to do that. politically it's 'ust not going to do that. �* , . u, politically it's 'ust not going to do that. �* , . ., , politically it's 'ust not going to dothat. a . , do that. astrazeneca has been saying it is working — do that. astrazeneca has been saying it is working on _ do that. astrazeneca has been saying it is working on trying _ do that. astrazeneca has been saying it is working on trying to _ do that. astrazeneca has been saying it is working on trying to get - do that. astrazeneca has been saying it is working on trying to get the - it is working on trying to get the supplies out, it is honouring its contract, it is always said that. it makes the point that britain signed the contract with astrazeneca at least three months before the eu signed their contract. astrazeneca wood and has defended itself here. sure. both parties have arguments. ultimately, it would go to court if they cannot settle it by discussions. but the court process will properly take a few months to resolve itself, so the eu has turned to the regulatory process instead. to try to make sure that some pressure is put on the company. i guess we will have to wait and see if that leads to concrete action of experts actually being restricted or not. fit experts actually being restricted or not. �* , ,., , not. at this point in time, there is siml no not. at this point in time, there is simply no way _ not. at this point in time, there is simply no way of _ not. at this point in time, there is simply no way of knowing. - not. at this point in time, there is simply no way of knowing. it - not. at this point in time, there is - simply no way of knowing. it depends how this political row develops? yes, it developed thiem depends how the row develops. under the arbitration, underthe the row develops. under the arbitration, under the brexit deal, if the uk wanted to do that. the company can bring its own lawsuit against the trade law. the commission could sue the company. all of that takes too long to resolve. what i think we will see happening in the next few weeks is either the company will change its policy or it will find a way to ramp up policy or it will find a way to ramp up demand. of course, other companies might be able to ramp up demand to try to resolve the supply bottlenecks. mil demand to try to resolve the supply bottlenecks— bottlenecks. all right, thank you very much _ bottlenecks. all right, thank you very much your _ bottlenecks. all right, thank you very much your thoughts. - schools in wales could begin to re—open to all pupils after the february half—term, if covid infection rates continue to fall in the coming weeks. the first minister mark drakeford said that the current restrictions in wales will stay in place for at least the next three weeks. our wales correspondent tomos morgan is in cardiff. well, mark drakeford was praising, really, the resolve and the efforts of the people of wales. if we just go back before the 19th of december, when the lockdown was introduced here, the rates in wales were the worst of anywhere across any of the four uk nations, but now we're in a position where rates are coming down, the number of people testing positive is also coming down. the strain on the nhs is starting to ease. also, now it appears as though wales seems to be leading the way in some of the vaccination stats of all the uk nations. this has meant that the first minister and the welsh government have made that decision, that schools will be able to reopen, a phased reopen, from after the half—term. it will be the youngest pupils first, those where the spread of infection is lowest and where the actual virus is of lowest threat to them. there will be consideration in the coming weeks on when to introduce those of exam grades, on vocational courses, but the first minister did say in his press conference that this would all be caveated, if the trends still go in this same direction. if infections continue to fall, we want to see children able to return to school after half—term, from the 22nd of february, starting with the youngest children in our primary schools. and i'm confirming this intention today to give as much notice as possible to parents, teachers and pupils of what we hope will lie ahead. so, the first minister saying it would be the foundation fazes that would be going back first, the youngest years of primary. consideration then to high school over the next few weeks. this has been a long, drawn—out deal with teachers and unions to get the schools open again. it must be said, that those in vulnerable families and are still able to go to school in some capacity, but the plan is now in place for schools to partially reopen on the 22nd of february. the other thing the first minister did say is that there wouldn't be any real change to the lockdown measures in wales until at least the next review three weeks. let's ta ke let's take a few minutes to reflect, because earlier this week, the archbishops of canterbury and york called on the uk to reflect and remember all those who've died after contracting covid—i9. archbishops justin welby and stephen cottrell, also highlighted the impact of the pandemic on minority ethnic communities. now imams across the country are holding special prayers in memory of those lost to coronavirus within the muslim community. well, we can speak now to imam qari asim, chair of the mosques and imams national advisory board — whojoins me now from leeds. hello, a very good afternoon. and you, i know, have been a leading special prayers this afternoon. what are your thoughts on the importance of a special prayer meeting like that? in of a special prayer meeting like that? , . ., that? in this pandemic, we have reached a _ that? in this pandemic, we have reached a grim _ that? in this pandemic, we have reached a grim milestone. - that? in this pandemic, we have i reached a grim milestone. behind every single death, there is an individual, family, friends, aspirations, hopes and dreams. we have responded to the call of the archbishop of canterbury and the archbishop of canterbury and the archbishop of canterbury and the archbishop of york to join in a prayerfor archbishop of york to join in a prayer for the archbishop of york to join in a prayerfor the nation. a time archbishop of york to join in a prayer for the nation. a time to reflect, pause and pray together to seek relief from this covid—i9. the tsunami of grief, trauma, devastation cannot be described in words. we have not been able to bury our loved ones, in some instances, with the same honour and dignity as we would ordinarily have done so. yes, one of the many things that has been so acutely painful throughout this pandemic, i think, been so acutely painful throughout this pandemic, ithink, is been so acutely painful throughout this pandemic, i think, is notjust losing a loved one, but people not being able to be next to their loved one in theirfinal moments. that is just excruciating, and something that all communities feel. absolutely. each one of us has been through this excruciatingly painful experience by leaving the macro losing a loved one when you cannot be at their bedside. people have not been able to mourn properly their loved ones. we believe that, what ever may have been missed in their farewell in this world, god almighty will receive them with grace and honour. and the reception they will receive in the next world will be much more powerful and gracious than perhaps what they have experienced in this world. the greatest honour that we can show to those who have lost their lives due to covid—i9 is to now take the vaccine. the vaccine is a great hope and brings huge light in this darkest moment. i’m light in this darkest moment. i'm really interested that you said that. there has mercifully been some positive news about vaccines today, but we know, just as the pandemic has so badly affected people from minority ethnic communities, we were talking earlier this week about the take—up of the vaccine being poorer in minority ethnic communities, is that something that you have tried to speak about a lot? yes. to speak about a lot? yes, absolutely. _ to speak about a lot? yes, absolutely. as _ to speak about a lot? yes, absolutely. as chair- to speak about a lot? yes, absolutely. as chair of - to speak about a lot? yes, l absolutely. as chair of imam to speak about a lot? yes, - absolutely. as chair of imam and imam's online, we have an initiative to raise awareness about the vaccine, but also to address some of the misinformation. the past three weeks, we have been delivering this message in our sermons to rebuild trust in the vaccine. and this is notjust trust in the vaccine. and this is not just exclusive to the trust in the vaccine. and this is notjust exclusive to the ba m e communities. there is hesitancy across communities. and that scepticism is driven by different factors. there are some intergenerationalfactors, but my message is simple. we need to verify we amplify. misinformation can cost lives in this pandemic. it is a great love that we can show to others by taking the vaccine to protect ourselves, but also to protect ourselves, but also to protect others in our communities and our society.— protect others in our communities and our society. very many thanks for our and our society. very many thanks for your time _ and our society. very many thanks for your time this _ and our society. very many thanks for your time this afternoon. - and our society. very many thanks | for your time this afternoon. thank you very much. it was a very wet night in places once again with localised flooding, huge puddles on the road, and further rain and hill snow across the north of the uk. this petering out for the rest of the day, mild across the south, but overnight that colder air in the north will push its way southwards and we will start to see a band of heavy and persistent rain spreading up from the south—west. temperatures again fairly mild in the south—west compared to further north where we will see frost and ice. through saturday, we have concerns with this rain bumping up in the colder it turns to sleet and snow, initially over the higher ground and then the midlands. strong easterly winds and drifting of the snow over the welsh hills with significant accumulations here. further north brighter but a cold day whereever you are. it's a repeat performance into sunday, further rain, sleet and snow, it will remain cold for all this weekend. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... the european union confirms it's introducing export controls on coronavirus vaccines. individual member states will decide whether to allow exports of vaccines produced in their country. it's the latest step in a continuing row with the pharmaceutical giant astrazeneca over a delayed delivery schedule. that astrazeneca vaccine has been authorised for use across the eu in those aged 18 or older. in the uk, a new coronavirus vaccine, which will be largely manufactured in teeside, is shown to be 89% effective in trials. scientists welcome the announcement. this is remarkable and i think unprecedented that there should be such a rich abundance of approaches, all of which are successful. and new data shows another covid—i9 vaccine developed in the us that may only require a single dose is 66% effective. schools in wales could reopen to all pupils after half term, though the nationwide lockdown will continue. let's cross now to amsterdam, where the european medicines agency is announcing the outcome of its assessment of the oxford—astrazeneca vaccine. and after that, we will have about half an hour for questions. and after that, we will have about half an hourfor questions. once and after that, we will have about half an hour for questions. once the question and answer session starts, need to raise your hand if you want to ask a question. to raise your hand, you will have to click on the item next to your name in the list of participants. when i give you the floor, you will be prompted on your screen to unmute yourself. we would appreciate if you would switch on your camera when asked a question. please note that today's briefing is being broadcast via youtube and europe via satellite. the dish can be used free of charge by all media. you will find the links on the invite sent out. as you have just 45 minutes for today's briefing i'm now handing over to emma.— minutes for today's briefing i'm now handing over to emma. thank you, and aood handing over to emma. thank you, and good afternoon. _ handing over to emma. thank you, and good afternoon, everybody. _ handing over to emma. thank you, and good afternoon, everybody. it's - handing over to emma. thank you, and good afternoon, everybody. it's a - good afternoon, everybody. it's a real pleasure to be here and to announce — real pleasure to be here and to announce the third positive opinion for the _ announce the third positive opinion for the authorisation of the astrazeneca covid—i9 vaccine. this expands— astrazeneca covid—i9 vaccine. this expands the range of vaccines available _ expands the range of vaccines available to eu and eea member states— available to eu and eea member states which will help to bring the pandemic— states which will help to bring the pandemic under control and protect the citizens of the eu. tomorrow, on the citizens of the eu. tomorrow, on the 30th— the citizens of the eu. tomorrow, on the 30th of— the citizens of the eu. tomorrow, on the 30th ofjanuary, it will be exactly — the 30th ofjanuary, it will be exactly a _ the 30th ofjanuary, it will be exactly a year since the world health — exactly a year since the world health organization declared the current— health organization declared the current virus outbreak to be a public— current virus outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. —— coronavirus. this has been a difficult _ coronavirus. this has been a difficult year for many and has caused — difficult year for many and has caused a — difficult year for many and has caused a lot of hardship, notjust in europe — caused a lot of hardship, notjust in europe and across the globe, but let's not— in europe and across the globe, but let's not forget that this year has seen _ let's not forget that this year has seen progress at an unprecedented scale _ seen progress at an unprecedented scale and _ seen progress at an unprecedented scale and speed in scientific terms. we now— scale and speed in scientific terms. we now have three vaccines that have been developed and recommended for approval— been developed and recommended for approval against the disease that we did not— approval against the disease that we did not know one year ago. none of them _ did not know one year ago. none of them is _ did not know one year ago. none of them is perfect, none of them has all the _ them is perfect, none of them has all the characteristics that we might— all the characteristics that we might want to help artist, to allow woods— might want to help artist, to allow woods to — might want to help artist, to allow woods to move completely forward. none of _ woods to move completely forward. none of them is a magic wand on its own trut— none of them is a magic wand on its own but together they provide tools and options to prevent different aspects — and options to prevent different aspects of the disease. promising results _ aspects of the disease. promising results are — aspects of the disease. promising results are also reported from anotherm _ results are also reported from another... a number of other vaccine developers _ another... a number of other vaccine developers as — another... a number of other vaccine developers as well as in the therapeutic area. the unprecedented scientific— therapeutic area. the unprecedented scientific development is the result of unparalleled mobilisation of scientists, industry, regulators, health— scientists, industry, regulators, health professionals, patient representatives and public health bodies _ representatives and public health bodies across the globe. every day, we learn _ bodies across the globe. every day, we learn more about this disease, and we _ we learn more about this disease, and we need to continue to work hard to get— and we need to continue to work hard to get more _ and we need to continue to work hard to get more vaccines and treatments available _ to get more vaccines and treatments available to — to get more vaccines and treatments available to help beat the pandemic, step—by—step, product by product, mutation _ step—by—step, product by product, mutation by mutation. the recommendation adopted today is for a conditional marketing authorisation and brings with it all the safeguards, controls and obligations. this authorisation is valid _ obligations. this authorisation is valid across europe, allowing all member— valid across europe, allowing all member states, big or small, to profit _ member states, big or small, to profit from — member states, big or small, to profit from the joint work that has been _ profit from the joint work that has been performed at eu level. it provides— been performed at eu level. it provides a controlled and robust legal— provides a controlled and robust legal framework for manufacturing controls _ legal framework for manufacturing controls and other post approval obligations. this means that there are legally binding obligations on the company for continuing to monitor— the company for continuing to monitor and update. the recommendation to approve the astrazeneca vaccine is based on the data that _ astrazeneca vaccine is based on the data that shows that the vaccine offers _ data that shows that the vaccine offers protection against covid—i9 with a _ offers protection against covid—i9 with a reassuring safety profile. while _ with a reassuring safety profile. while the — with a reassuring safety profile. while the first two approvals were for rna_ while the first two approvals were for rna vaccines, the astrazeneca vaccine _ for rna vaccines, the astrazeneca vaccine is — for rna vaccines, the astrazeneca vaccine is based on another technology. this means that the vaccine — technology. this means that the vaccine uses a common virus that has been _ vaccine uses a common virus that has been modified to carry a portion of the covid—i9 coronavirus called the spike _ the covid—i9 coronavirus called the spike protein. vaccines are easier to handle — spike protein. vaccines are easier to handle than mrna vaccines in terms _ to handle than mrna vaccines in terms of— to handle than mrna vaccines in terms of the transport and storage, and they— terms of the transport and storage, and they should simplify the logistics of rolling the vaccine out across _ logistics of rolling the vaccine out across the — logistics of rolling the vaccine out across the eu and hopefully can provide — across the eu and hopefully can provide a — across the eu and hopefully can provide a boost to vaccinations in the member states. but let me stress, — the member states. but let me stress, manufacture of full vaccines is complicated, technology transfer may be _ is complicated, technology transfer may be complex, and it may raise unanticipated issues, and we have all seen _ unanticipated issues, and we have all seen reports of production and supply— all seen reports of production and supply challenges. we have heard many— supply challenges. we have heard many voices questioning the time it has taken _ many voices questioning the time it has taken for the evaluation of this vaccine _ has taken for the evaluation of this vaccine as— has taken for the evaluation of this vaccine. as many of you know, in early— vaccine. as many of you know, in early october, this was the first vaccine — early october, this was the first vaccine we _ early october, this was the first vaccine we started to evaluate through — vaccine we started to evaluate through the rolling review process, a practice _ through the rolling review process, a practice whereby data is reviewed on an— a practice whereby data is reviewed on an interim basis, but evaluation of vaccines— on an interim basis, but evaluation of vaccines is— on an interim basis, but evaluation of vaccines is not a first in, the star— of vaccines is not a first in, the star process, the review timelines vary between vaccines as they are dependent on the data becoming available during the ongoing development and the result of ongoing — development and the result of ongoing trials. this was a complex data package including pooled results — data package including pooled results from full clinical trials and this— results from full clinical trials and this made assessment challenging, and you will hear more about— challenging, and you will hear more about some of the challenges today. but our _ about some of the challenges today. but our experts have scrutinised the data, _ but our experts have scrutinised the data. raised— but our experts have scrutinised the data, raised questions, and in fact were _ data, raised questions, and in fact were receiving large data packages i’i l ht were receiving large data packages right up— were receiving large data packages right up to the start of this week. discussions on the best wording to reflect_ discussions on the best wording to reflect the — discussions on the best wording to reflect the data outcomes were finalised — reflect the data outcomes were finalised in the last sessions of the committee meeting which finished less than— the committee meeting which finished less than one hour ago. in the end, the committee reached an independent scientific— the committee reached an independent scientific opinion by consensus. let me stress— scientific opinion by consensus. let me stress that our work does not stop— me stress that our work does not stop here — me stress that our work does not stop here. the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine will continue — effectiveness of this vaccine will continue to be closely monitored as it is rolled _ continue to be closely monitored as it is rolled out across the member states _ it is rolled out across the member states and — it is rolled out across the member states and globally. we are monitoring very closely the variance of the _ monitoring very closely the variance of the coronavirus which are emerging across the world and whether— emerging across the world and whether and how they affect the protection offered by this and the other— protection offered by this and the other vaccines. we do not yet have data on _ other vaccines. we do not yet have data on whether the astrazeneca vaccine _ data on whether the astrazeneca vaccine offers protection against the new — vaccine offers protection against the new variants, but we have requested _ the new variants, but we have requested the company to investigate this, as _ requested the company to investigate this, as we _ requested the company to investigate this, as we have done for the other vaccines _ this, as we have done for the other vaccines in— this, as we have done for the other vaccines. in addition, we are working _ vaccines. in addition, we are working with regulatory authorities across _ working with regulatory authorities across the — working with regulatory authorities across the world to determine what new data _ across the world to determine what new data would be needed in case of changes— new data would be needed in case of changes to _ new data would be needed in case of changes to the composition of covid-19 — changes to the composition of covid—i9 vaccines might need to be made _ covid—i9 vaccines might need to be made to— covid—i9 vaccines might need to be made to offer protection against the new variants. looking ahead, we are acutely— new variants. looking ahead, we are acutely aware of the urgency to have many _ acutely aware of the urgency to have many vaccines to cover the needs, not only— many vaccines to cover the needs, not only of— many vaccines to cover the needs, not only of europeans but of people across _ not only of europeans but of people across the _ not only of europeans but of people across the world who are suffering as a result — across the world who are suffering as a result of this pandemic. and we will continue — as a result of this pandemic. and we will continue to work hard to play our part— will continue to work hard to play our part in— will continue to work hard to play our part in fulfilling these needs together— our part in fulfilling these needs together with member states, the european — together with member states, the european commission and our international partners. many other vaccines— international partners. many other vaccines are in development. we have 'ust vaccines are in development. we have just heard _ vaccines are in development. we have just heard some promising results from _ just heard some promising results from a _ just heard some promising results from a vaccine which we hope will be submitted _ from a vaccine which we hope will be submitted shortly to us. this is currently— submitted shortly to us. this is currently subject to a rolling review — currently subject to a rolling review which precedes the form of marketing — review which precedes the form of marketing authorisation application submission. but many other covid—i9 vaccines— submission. but many other covid—i9 vaccines are — submission. but many other covid—i9 vaccines are under development and under— vaccines are under development and under review by ema and on a preliminary basis. but there also remains — preliminary basis. but there also remains an— preliminary basis. but there also remains an urgent need to have treatments for patients who have covid-i9~ — treatments for patients who have covid—i9. severaltherapies treatments for patients who have covid—i9. several therapies are also in the _ covid—i9. several therapies are also in the pipeline and we have had interactions with over 180 developers. many of these are likely to come _ developers. many of these are likely to come the eu authorisation later this year— to come the eu authorisation later this year and this is very important because _ this year and this is very important because hundreds of thousands of europeans who have been affected with the _ europeans who have been affected with the virus... we need solutions for these _ with the virus... we need solutions for these and of course morbidity and mortality remains very high. even _ and mortality remains very high. even with— and mortality remains very high. even with the roll—out of effective vaccines, — even with the roll—out of effective vaccines, there will continue to be a need _ vaccines, there will continue to be a need for— vaccines, there will continue to be a need for effective treatments. one year on. _ a need for effective treatments. one year on. we — a need for effective treatments. one year on, we know there are no silver bullets _ year on, we know there are no silver bullets but _ year on, we know there are no silver bullets but there are significant steps _ bullets but there are significant steps and milestones that have been and can— steps and milestones that have been and can be _ steps and milestones that have been and can be delivered. and these are necessary— and can be delivered. and these are necessary to multiply the options available — necessary to multiply the options available to health systems. today's achievement will deliver yet another option _ achievement will deliver yet another option let — achievement will deliver yet another option. let me now hand back to marianne — option. let me now hand back to marianne to continue our discussion. many— marianne to continue our discussion. many thanks, and i am now handing over immediately to the vice chair of the sea hmv. the floor is yours. good afternoon, everyone. i'm pleased — good afternoon, everyone. i'm pleased to _ good afternoon, everyone. i'm pleased to explain on behalf of the medicines— pleased to explain on behalf of the medicines committee our recommendation and our assessment of the covid-19 _ recommendation and our assessment of the covid—i9 vaccine. after reviewing all the evidence that was submitted by the applicant, the committee has recommended that this vaccine _ committee has recommended that this vaccine should be approved for the prevention — vaccine should be approved for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019— prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 covid-19 prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 covid—19 for now on in people a-ed 2019 covid—19 for now on in people aged 18 _ 2019 covid—19 for now on in people aged 18 years and older. our recommendation is being sent to the european _ recommendation is being sent to the european commission for authorisation. this vaccine is administered into injections, usually— administered into injections, usually to the muscle of the upper arm and _ usually to the muscle of the upper arm and the product information as you will— arm and the product information as you will see — arm and the product information as you will see recommends that the second _ you will see recommends that the second dose should be administered within— second dose should be administered within 12 _ second dose should be administered within 12 weeks after the first dose — within 12 weeks after the first dose. this is to say roughly 28 days after _ dose. this is to say roughly 28 days after the _ dose. this is to say roughly 28 days after the first dose. our opinion is based _ after the first dose. our opinion is based on — after the first dose. our opinion is based on evidence from full clinical trials _ based on evidence from full clinical trials that— based on evidence from full clinical trials that were conducted in the united _ trials that were conducted in the united kingdom, two of them, in in brazil— united kingdom, two of them, in in brazil and _ united kingdom, two of them, in in brazil and south africa. the four study _ brazil and south africa. the four study is — brazil and south africa. the four study is involved around 24,000 people _ study is involved around 24,000 people altogether, half received the vaccine _ people altogether, half received the vaccine and half were given controlled injections containing saline — controlled injections containing saline solution or another vaccine with a _ saline solution or another vaccine with a similar platform. people did not know— with a similar platform. people did not know if— with a similar platform. people did not know if they had been given the vaccine _ not know if they had been given the vaccine or— not know if they had been given the vaccine or the control injection. the vaccine _ vaccine or the control injection. the vaccine showed a 59.5% reduction in the _ the vaccine showed a 59.5% reduction in the number of symptomatic covid-19 — in the number of symptomatic covid—19 cases in people given the vaccine _ covid—19 cases in people given the vaccine. more specifically, 64 out of five~~ — vaccine. more specifically, 64 out of five... 5000 people caught covid-19 _ of five... 5000 people caught covid—19 with symptoms compared with people _ covid—19 with symptoms compared with people given the dummy injections where _ people given the dummy injections where 154 — people given the dummy injections where 154 out of people given the dummy injections where154 out of 5000 people got covid-19 — where154 out of 5000 people got covid—19 with symptoms. as emma said, _ covid—19 with symptoms. as emma said. the _ covid—19 with symptoms. as emma said, the committee was confronted with challenges while developing these _ with challenges while developing these vaccine and these challenges were mainly related to the circumstances regarding clinical trials _ circumstances regarding clinical trials. while we managed to clarify these _ trials. while we managed to clarify these points after a full assessment, i will highlight a few issues _ assessment, i will highlight a few issues. firstly, since a predefined number— issues. firstly, since a predefined number of— issues. firstly, since a predefined number of covid—19 cases considered necessary— number of covid—19 cases considered necessary to — number of covid—19 cases considered necessary to estimate the efficacy of the _ necessary to estimate the efficacy of the vaccine was only reached into outer— of the vaccine was only reached into outer full— of the vaccine was only reached into outer full studies, we based our calculations on how well the vaccine worked _ calculations on how well the vaccine worked on _ calculations on how well the vaccine worked on the results of study 002 conducted — worked on the results of study 002 conducted in the uk and study 003 conducted — conducted in the uk and study 003 conducted in the uk and study 003 conducted in brazil. secondly, as the vaccine — conducted in brazil. secondly, as the vaccine is expected to be given as two— the vaccine is expected to be given as two standard doses, 4—12 weeks apart, _ as two standard doses, 4—12 weeks apart, we _ as two standard doses, 4—12 weeks apart, we considered results involving _ apart, we considered results involving people who received this standard _ involving people who received this standard vaccine. this vaccine is recommended for all age groups above 18 years _ recommended for all age groups above 18 years old, 13% of patients in the studies _ 18 years old, 13% of patients in the studies were 65 years or older. however. — studies were 65 years or older. however, protection in this population is expected based on the immune _ population is expected based on the immune response and results in younger— immune response and results in younger participants and people given— younger participants and people given similar vaccines. one important aspect to highlight is that the — important aspect to highlight is that the longer the dosing interval from four— that the longer the dosing interval from four up to 12 weeks between the first and _ from four up to 12 weeks between the first and second dose for this vaccine — first and second dose for this vaccine will allow flexibility and will help — vaccine will allow flexibility and will help the ongoing immunisation campaigns in the eu. the extended dosing _ campaigns in the eu. the extended dosing schedule is posted on data from _ dosing schedule is posted on data from the — dosing schedule is posted on data from the clinical trials where a greater— from the clinical trials where a greater range of dosing intervals were _ greater range of dosing intervals were studied. this vaccine can be safely— were studied. this vaccine can be safely administered to people who have had _ safely administered to people who have had covid already as there were no additional side effects and volunteers who received the vaccine in the _ volunteers who received the vaccine in the trial— volunteers who received the vaccine in the trial and had previously been infected _ in the trial and had previously been infected with covid—19. we get to know— infected with covid—19. we get to know whether the vaccine can reduce transmission of the virus from one person— transmission of the virus from one person to — transmission of the virus from one person to the next and for this we need _ person to the next and for this we need large — person to the next and for this we need large scale observation studies and millions of people which will be carried _ and millions of people which will be carried out— and millions of people which will be carried out in the context of the vaccination _ carried out in the context of the vaccination campaigns. we also do not yet _ vaccination campaigns. we also do not yet know how long the protection lasts _ not yet know how long the protection lasts we _ not yet know how long the protection lasts. we will get data on this by following — lasts. we will get data on this by following up closely on the people who were — following up closely on the people who were vaccinated with covid—19 for at _ who were vaccinated with covid—19 for at least — who were vaccinated with covid—19 for at least one year. we will also evaluate — for at least one year. we will also evaluate data from an ongoing study in the _ evaluate data from an ongoing study in the us— evaluate data from an ongoing study in the us that has enrolled a very large _ in the us that has enrolled a very large number of volunteers, approximately 30,000, and results from these studies are expected towards — from these studies are expected towards the end of the first quarter of this— towards the end of the first quarter of this year. it will add to the evidence _ of this year. it will add to the evidence available on the safety and efficacy— evidence available on the safety and efficacy of— evidence available on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. this study importantly includes a substantial cohort— importantly includes a substantial cohort of— importantly includes a substantial cohort of elderly people. there has been _ cohort of elderly people. there has been a _ cohort of elderly people. there has been a lot— cohort of elderly people. there has been a lot of attention on recently discovered — been a lot of attention on recently discovered mutations of the sars virus. _ discovered mutations of the sars virus. we — discovered mutations of the sars virus, we have no reason to believe that the _ virus, we have no reason to believe that the vaccine would not be effective _ that the vaccine would not be effective against the mutation but we will _ effective against the mutation but we will need to monitor closely and to have _ we will need to monitor closely and to have more data. in any case, we are already— to have more data. in any case, we are already considering how possible strain— are already considering how possible strain changes could be handled from a regulatory point of view. we know that two _ a regulatory point of view. we know that two vaccines already approved for use _ that two vaccines already approved for use in— that two vaccines already approved for use in the eu are relatively easy— for use in the eu are relatively easy to — for use in the eu are relatively easy to modify if necessary and we believe _ easy to modify if necessary and we believe the same could apply for astrazeneca's vaccine. we are ready to evaluate — astrazeneca's vaccine. we are ready to evaluate these changes should they be _ to evaluate these changes should they be necessary as quickly as possible — they be necessary as quickly as possible. our experts are already looking _ possible. our experts are already looking into this and are providing guidance — looking into this and are providing guidance on what evidence would be needed _ guidance on what evidence would be needed. there are very limited data in use _ needed. there are very limited data in use in— needed. there are very limited data in use in pregnant women, but we expect— in use in pregnant women, but we expect a _ in use in pregnant women, but we expect a protective effect from this vaccine _ expect a protective effect from this vaccine. taking into account that pregnancy — vaccine. taking into account that pregnancy in itself constitutes a risk for— pregnancy in itself constitutes a risk for severe covid—19 and that pregnant— risk for severe covid—19 and that pregnant women may additionally belong _ pregnant women may additionally belong to other risk groups, vaccination may be considered on a case—by—case basis and after consulting a health care professional. there is no data for breast—feeding women but based on preclinical— breast—feeding women but based on preclinical studies on the evidence we have _ preclinical studies on the evidence we have gathered we do not anticipate any risk. it is a key feature — anticipate any risk. it is a key feature of— anticipate any risk. it is a key feature of the conditional marketing authorisation has highlighted that we can— authorisation has highlighted that we can require that more data will be collected on the use of the vaccine — be collected on the use of the vaccine and special populations after— vaccine and special populations after the — vaccine and special populations after the authorisation, so pregnant and breast—feeding women will be key areas of— and breast—feeding women will be key areas of focus, as will be people who are — areas of focus, as will be people who are immunocompromised. no participants with severe immunodeficiency were included in the studies. after considering that the studies. after considering that the overall safety of the vaccine and the — the overall safety of the vaccine and the risk of developing severe covid-19 — and the risk of developing severe covid-19 is — and the risk of developing severe covid—19 is particularly high in this population, we recommend its use. this population, we recommend its use as _ this population, we recommend its use as for— this population, we recommend its use. as for any new medicine that is evaluated _ use. as for any new medicine that is evaluated for use in the eu, we have agreed _ evaluated for use in the eu, we have agreed a _ evaluated for use in the eu, we have agreed a paediatric investigation plan with— agreed a paediatric investigation plan with the paediatric medicine is committee to make sure that we can gather— committee to make sure that we can gather data — committee to make sure that we can gather data more on the use of this vaccine _ gather data more on the use of this vaccine in _ gather data more on the use of this vaccine in children through clinical trials _ vaccine in children through clinical trials. overall, after evaluation of all available data, the ch mp as agreed — all available data, the ch mp as agreed by consensus that the benefits _ agreed by consensus that the benefits of this vaccine outweigh the known and any potential risks and has _ the known and any potential risks and has recommended granting a marketing authorisation, and i am pleased _ marketing authorisation, and i am pleased to — marketing authorisation, and i am pleased to hand back to marianne. thank— pleased to hand back to marianne. thank you — pleased to hand back to marianne. thank you very much. now the chair. thank you very much. now the chair. thank you very much. now the chair. thank you and good afternoon, everyone _ thank you and good afternoon, everyone. we ensured that it is aware _ everyone. we ensured that it is aware of— everyone. we ensured that it is aware of its responsibility to the eu citizens to collect and analyse every _ eu citizens to collect and analyse every piece of information on the safety— every piece of information on the safety of— every piece of information on the safety of the astrazeneca vaccine, as with _ safety of the astrazeneca vaccine, as with all — safety of the astrazeneca vaccine, as with all the covid—19 vaccines. to be _ as with all the covid—19 vaccines. to be able — as with all the covid—19 vaccines. to be able to provide continuous reassurance that the benefits of the vaccines _ reassurance that the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks. all medicines, including vaccines, have side effects— medicines, including vaccines, have side effects and a robust system is in place _ side effects and a robust system is in place in — side effects and a robust system is in place in the european union to collect _ in place in the european union to collect and — in place in the european union to collect and promptly evaluate any safety _ collect and promptly evaluate any safety signal that may arise during the vaccination campaigns. the focus throughout— the vaccination campaigns. the focus throughout this current evaluation process— throughout this current evaluation process is— throughout this current evaluation process is the risk management plan for the _ process is the risk management plan for the astrazeneca vaccine. the risk management plan contains firstly— risk management plan contains firstly the safety profile of the astrazeneca vaccine, secondly all measures — astrazeneca vaccine, secondly all measures are needed in order to ensure _ measures are needed in order to ensure the — measures are needed in order to ensure the best possible benefit risk. _ ensure the best possible benefit risk. and — ensure the best possible benefit risk, and thirdly all studies and data _ risk, and thirdly all studies and data collection that are put in place — data collection that are put in place in — data collection that are put in place in order to ensure its ongoing safety— place in order to ensure its ongoing safety monitoring. what do we know at this— safety monitoring. what do we know at this moment in time of the safety of the _ at this moment in time of the safety of the oxford astrazeneca vaccine? as we _ of the oxford astrazeneca vaccine? as we have — of the oxford astrazeneca vaccine? as we have heard from the professor, the clinical— as we have heard from the professor, the clinical trial submitted provided a good set of safety data and approximately 12,000 participants have already received the vaccine. the safety profile identified from these clinical trials — identified from these clinical trials is _ identified from these clinical trials is in line with what we expect— trials is in line with what we expect from a vaccine. as with the other— expect from a vaccine. as with the other covid — expect from a vaccine. as with the other covid vaccines, also with the astrazeneca vaccine, a very serious allergic— astrazeneca vaccine, a very serious allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, may occur— allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, may occur but _ allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, may occur but fortunately that is rare adverse — occur but fortunately that is rare adverse event and therefore the vaccines — adverse event and therefore the vaccines should be administered under— vaccines should be administered under close medical observation, and appropriate _ under close medical observation, and appropriate medical treatment should be available. people who have received — be available. people who have received vaccination should be monitored for at least 15 minutes after— monitored for at least 15 minutes after the — monitored for at least 15 minutes after the vaccination. the most common— after the vaccination. the most common side effects were pain and redness _ common side effects were pain and redness at — common side effects were pain and redness at the injection site, headache, tiredness, pain in the muscles — headache, tiredness, pain in the muscles and joints, headache, nausea. — muscles and joints, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. these _ nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. these adverse events were mostly mild and _ these adverse events were mostly mild and did not last very long. so based _ mild and did not last very long. so based on — mild and did not last very long. so based on the data that we have from the clinical— based on the data that we have from the clinical trials, the safety profile — the clinical trials, the safety profile is— the clinical trials, the safety profile is reassuring. nevertheless, careful— profile is reassuring. nevertheless, careful surveillance remains very important — careful surveillance remains very important now that the vaccine will be rolled _ important now that the vaccine will be rolled out in real—life settings and in _ be rolled out in real—life settings and in large numbers of people. safety— and in large numbers of people. safety is — and in large numbers of people. safety is key and it's important that. _ safety is key and it's important that. if— safety is key and it's important that, if any new or changing risks are identified, we detect them immediately and take action. today's opinion— immediately and take action. today's opinion recommending a marketing authorisation for the astrazeneca vaccine _ authorisation for the astrazeneca vaccine means that astrazeneca will continue _ vaccine means that astrazeneca will continue to — vaccine means that astrazeneca will continue to collect data in order to ensure _ continue to collect data in order to ensure that — continue to collect data in order to ensure that the safety of the vaccine — ensure that the safety of the vaccine is _ ensure that the safety of the vaccine is actively monitored. the call safety — vaccine is actively monitored. the call safety requirements for the astrazeneca vaccine are the same strict _ astrazeneca vaccine are the same strict and — astrazeneca vaccine are the same strict and rigorous requirements that apply to all medicines and all vaccines— that apply to all medicines and all vaccines in— that apply to all medicines and all vaccines in europe. in addition to the usual— vaccines in europe. in addition to the usual tools, additional resources have been mobilised to monitor— resources have been mobilised to monitor and assess new safety information as it becomes available. the standard information sources include _ the standard information sources include the information from all the studies. _ include the information from all the studies, information from other regulators, and very importantly reports — regulators, and very importantly reports of — regulators, and very importantly reports of suspected side—effects from _ reports of suspected side—effects from people who have received vaccination as well as the health care professionals. will vaccination as well as the health care professionals.— vaccination as well as the health care professionals. will leave that news briefing _ care professionals. will leave that news briefing in _ care professionals. will leave that news briefing in amsterdam - care professionals. will leave that news briefing in amsterdam for. care professionals. will leave that. news briefing in amsterdam for now, but to give you the key elements from that the european medicines agency has indeed given the go—ahead for the chap to be used across the eu for everyone over the age of 18. let's bring you one key paragraph as well that was talked about there because you will know that germany have raised those various issues around using the chap and anyone over the age of 65. the ema address that point specifically and said that point specifically and said that when speaking about the trials most of the participants in the studies were between 18 and 55, there are not yet enough results in older participants to provide a figure for how well the vaccine will work in this group. however, protection is expected, given that an immune response is seen in this age group and based on experience with other vaccines. as there is reliable information on safety in this population, scientific experts consider that the vaccine can be used in older adults, so the overall agency saying that it can be used as far as it is consent and anyone over the age of 18. we will have much more for you from the pm on a very busy day for lots of news about different vaccines, that's all coming up, but right now let's look at the weather prospects. coder tries to push southwards, turning to rain, increasing to sleet and snow, quite heavy across parts of wales in the midlands and cota for all areas. we have recently had very mild air across much of the country but the coda across northern scotland was drift southwards of the next few days. low pressure on saturday trying to push up from the south—west introducing outbreaks of rain. it will turn to sleet and snow so disruptions and strong winds circling around this area of low pressure. so drifting over the higher ground. the rest of today though the rain and who snow across scotland will ease down and it should become try for many, quite mild across the south. heavy showers clearing away from the south—east, a legacy of cloud left behind from the showers in this weather front in the north as well so patchy rain and snow over the higher ground but equally good spells of sunshine. . 11 or 12 degrees across the extreme south, not as marked as it was yesterday, coater further north, colder air begins to drift southwards over wintry showers in the north—east of scotland, risk of ice here and here comes the area of low pressure pushing that band of rain slowly northwards, increasingly turning to snow over higher ground, but here not quite as cold. further north, ice, and the saturday wary wet weather affecting this south—west quadrant, snow and some of that heavy but drifting in the strong wind and increasingly seeing sleet and snow developing in the midlands, perhaps into the south—east, wet snow down to lower levels as well but the fourth south—west it will remain as rain and temperatures here 10 degrees, coater elsewhere, and bright across the north. the area of low pressure clears away on saturday night, cold and the risk of frost and ice, a new area of low pressure will move in the sunday show a repeat performance with rain, sleet and snow pushing in in northern ireland, wales, the midlands and southern england, heavy slowed likely across the higher ground of wales, further north cold but generally bright. —— heavy snow. this is bbc news. i'm clive myrie. the headlines... the eu confirms it's introducing export controls on coronavirus vaccines. it means individual member states will decide whether to allow exports produced in their own country. the protection and safety of our citizens is a priority. and the challenges we now face left us with no other choice but to act. it's the latest step in a row with the pharmaceutical giant astrazeneca over a delayed delivery schedule to the eu. the eu regulator has now given full approval for the oxford—astrazeneca covid vaccine to be given to all over 18s across the bloc. in the uk, a new coronavirus vaccine, which will be largely manufactured in teesside, is shown to be 89% effective in trials. and another vaccine — developed by us manufacturer johnson &johnson — is the latest to prove effective in phase three trials. in other news, primary schools in wales could re—open to all pupils after half—term — though the nationwide lockdown will continue. thousands of volunteers helping the nhs with the vaccine roll—out will be prioritised for a jab. very good afternoon to you. the european union has introduced export controls on coronavirus vaccines. individual member states will decide whether to allow exports of vaccines produced in their territory. a european commissioner said it was being introduced to enhance transparency and to ensure that all eu citizens had access to vaccines. a european commissioner, valdis dombrovskis made the announcement a little earlier this afternoon. the protection and safety of our citizens as a priority. and the challenges we now face left us with no other choice but to act. vaccines are key to the recovery, and to bringing the pandemic under control. and delivering these vaccines to our citizens is the most critical task right now. this is a race against the clock. we cannot lose time because a vaccines not being delivered on agreed schedule. reacting to the news, professor steve peers — an expert in eu and trade law at the university of essex — said it was unclear at the moment whether today's move will lead to concrete action and blocks on vaccine leaving the eu for the uk or elsewhere. politically, i think it's difficult for the eu to be in the position it's in. it didn't expect to perhaps have the supply shortages, and from the eu's point of view they have a contract, they gave some money to astrazeneca, so where are the vaccines? now, from the uk's point of view, they want the vaccines, too. so there is a conflict between the company's two contracts and its two main contractors. that can't easily be resolved with the amount of supply that they have now, as compared to the amount of supply from other companies. and so something has to give, unless the eu can be expected to just shrug its shoulders, and i guess politically it isjust not going to do that. both parties to the contract have arguments. ultimately, it would go to court if they cannot settle them by discussions. but the court process would probably take a few months to resolve itself, and so the eu has turned to the regulatory process instead to try and make sure that there is at least some pressure put on the company. i guess we will have to wait and see if that actually leads to the concrete action of exports actually being restricted or not. meanwhile, the eu have also approved the use of the oxford astrazeneca jab — and contrary to reports last night — it is recommended for over 65s. let's take a look at the key paragraph from the release from the european medicines agency. the agency has been accused of being slow to approve the vaccine. me’ue slow to approve the vaccine. we've heard many — slow to approve the vaccine. we've heard many voices _ slow to approve the vaccine. we've heard many voices questioning - slow to approve the vaccine. we've heard many voices questioning at l slow to approve the vaccine. we've heard many voices questioning at the time that— heard many voices questioning at the time that has been taken for the evaluation of this vaccine. as many of you _ evaluation of this vaccine. as many of you know. — evaluation of this vaccine. as many of you know, in early october this was the _ of you know, in early october this was the first vaccine we started to evaluate _ was the first vaccine we started to evaluate through the rolling review process. _ evaluate through the rolling review process. a — evaluate through the rolling review process, a practice whereby data is reviewed _ process, a practice whereby data is reviewed on— process, a practice whereby data is reviewed on an iterative basis. but evaluation — reviewed on an iterative basis. but evaluation of vaccines is not a first— evaluation of vaccines is not a first in. — evaluation of vaccines is not a first in, first out process. the review — first in, first out process. the review timeline vary between vaccines— review timeline vary between vaccines as they are dependent on the data _ vaccines as they are dependent on the data becoming available during the data becoming available during the ongoing development and the results _ the ongoing development and the results of ongoing trials. this was a complex— results of ongoing trials. this was a complex state, including poor results — a complex state, including poor results from poor clinical trials, and this— results from poor clinical trials, and this made assessment challenging. you will hear more about _ challenging. you will hear more about some of the challenges today. but our _ about some of the challenges today. but our experts have scrutinised the data. _ but our experts have scrutinised the data. raised— but our experts have scrutinised the data, raised questions, and in fact were _ data, raised questions, and in fact were receiving large data packages i’l l ht were receiving large data packages right up— were receiving large data packages right up to the start of this week. discussions on the best wording to reflect_ discussions on the best wording to reflect the — discussions on the best wording to reflect the data outcomes were finalised — reflect the data outcomes were finalised in the last session, which finished _ finalised in the last session, which finished less than one hour ago. in the end. _ finished less than one hour ago. in the end. the — finished less than one hour ago. in the end, the committee reached an independent scientific opinion by consensus. let me stress that our work— consensus. let me stress that our work does _ consensus. let me stress that our work does not stop here. the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine will continue to be very closely monitored as it is rolled out across the member states, and also globally _ the member states, and also globally. we are monitoring very closely _ globally. we are monitoring very closely the variance of the coronavirus which are emerging across— coronavirus which are emerging across the — coronavirus which are emerging across the world, and whether and how they _ across the world, and whether and how they affected the protection provided by this and the other vaccines _ provided by this and the other vaccines. we do not yet have data on whether— vaccines. we do not yet have data on whether the — vaccines. we do not yet have data on whether the astrazeneca vaccine offers _ whether the astrazeneca vaccine offers protection against the new variance. — offers protection against the new variance, but we have requested the company— variance, but we have requested the company to— variance, but we have requested the company to investigate this, as we have done — company to investigate this, as we have done for the other vaccines. the uk _ have done for the other vaccines. the uk has — have done for the other vaccines. the uk has recorded the last 24—hour period 29,079 new infections. that is up from 28,680 in the previous 24—hour period. numbers are still going up, but the rate of increase is slowing down, which is good news. as far as vaccinations are concerned, the uk figures now show 7.89 million people have received their first dose of a covid—19 vaccine. 7.89 million people have received their first dose. and the uk has recorded 29,079 new coronavirus infections. that is in the latest 24—hour period. another different coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be more than 89% effective in trials. and is the first that has been proven to be effective against the new variant identified as circulating widely in the uk. the novavax jab was developed by an american company, and it still has to be approved by medicines regulators — but the government has already ordered 60 million doses. much of the manufacturing is being done in stockton—on—tees. our health correspondent anna collinson reports. at a time when many needed a boost, it's hoped that another powerful weapon against the coronavirus is within reach. new data suggest the novavax vaccine offers strong protection, with the results described as "spectacular". more than 15,000 volunteers took part in the large uk trial. crucially, over half of the covid—19 cases recorded came from the variant found in the uk. with an overall efficacy of 89%, it could be the firstjab which shows it works against the original and new strains. i guess the bad news is that there was lots of virus circulating in the uk during our trial. but that's good news if you're trying to develop a vaccine, because you've got lots of the infection around and you can show that you're vaccine actually works. one concern is that the novavax jab doesn't appear to offer as much protection against the south african variant, but the company says the efficacy was above people's expectations. the next big step is for the uk's regulator to give novavax the greenlight, which could take weeks. so far, three vaccines have been approved, with astrazeneca and pfizer already being rolled out, and 17 million moderna doses expected in the spring. novavax could provide a further boost to the uk, with 60 million doses ordered. like astrazeneca, the novavax jab can be stored in a regularfridge, which means, if and when it's approved, it will be easier to get it out to patients. this is a completely different sort of vaccine. it's actually a more conventional vaccine. it's a purified protein which is then formulated to induce a very good immune response, and i'm really delighted that we've got yet a third basic approach to vaccination which seems to give such high protection. this is remarkable. i think unprecedented. one of those who took part in the trial was the minister responsible for the vaccine roll—out. in a tweet, nadhim zahawi praised the encouraging results and confirmed some manufacturing will take place here. novavax is a us vaccine, but some of it is due to be made in stockton—on—tees. though a warning — it won't happen overnight. itjust takes time, and we are growing up mammalian cells from low volumes up to the high 1,000—litre volumes, and it is very complicated. so growing these cells is not predictable or linear, but i'm confident they'll get there. but the vaccine will not be rolling out tomorrow. while tempering expectations, the former head of the uk's vaccine task force is still delighted. when i heard the news last night, i'm afraid i broke the dry january rule and celebrated with a glass of wine. for many, the light at the end of the tunnel has got that much brighter. anna collinson, bbc news. with me now is our brussels correspondent gavin lee. the eu commission has said that individual states can block exports of vaccines that are being manufactured on their soil. how many countries are we talking about? 21 countries are we talking about? 27, lus countries are we talking about? 2 plus exemptions for countries are we talking about? 27 plus exemptions for switzerland, countries are we talking about? 27. plus exemptions for switzerland, for example. 92 countries on the exemption lists, but not the uk. what will happen, as of next month, it is expected that it will be agreed, i haven't heard from any member state that says it doesn't want this to happen. any company, the likes of pfizer has a plant here in belgium and provides transport supplies to the uk, and any big supplier, they have to go to their national government, to say that they want to export outside of the eu, and the government has roughly 24 hours to say, first of all, do you meet your commitment to our contract of the roll—out here, if yes, fine, if not, they have the right to say no. that is being blocked. this is a big change. just a few days ago, we were talking about the eu saying this is a transparency mechanism. since then, germany has been a big heavyweight in this. the health secretary they are saying basically "we want an approval system." we had the health commissioner saying it is not about targeting the uk. she told reporters, this is an insurance policy for 450 million taxpayers who want the vaccine.— want the vaccine. what is the solution. _ want the vaccine. what is the solution, then, _ want the vaccine. what is the solution, then, to _ want the vaccine. what is the solution, then, to all - want the vaccine. what is the solution, then, to all of - want the vaccine. what is the solution, then, to all of this? want the vaccine. what is the l solution, then, to all of this? if astrazeneca are saying that they are having problems producing the amount of vaccines the european union says it is legally contracted to get, what is the way out of this? i think ultimately what _ what is the way out of this? i think ultimately what we _ what is the way out of this? i think ultimately what we are _ what is the way out of this? i think ultimately what we are seeing - what is the way out of this? i think ultimately what we are seeing is i what is the way out of this? i think. ultimately what we are seeing is the death of trust between multinational pharmaceutical companies and the european union over the pressure, let's face it, of people dying amongst this waiting for the vaccine in countries like spain where the vaccine now is postponed for two weeks. inspectors two days ago going into the premises here in belgium of astrazeneca because the eu commission did not believe the reason given that they were having a low production in the belgium plan. the suspicion was that they were sorting in the eu and selling some of that product to the uk. that is what is going on underneath this. the solution, partly politically, that trust has to build between the manufacturers and the eu, and also between countries. and that doesn't look good at the moment, from where i'm standing. the eu did not want to get involved a couple of days ago with criticising the uk. today, it is slightly different. today we have heard that the eu has tried to keep to itself, unified, the uk appears to itself, unified, the uk appears to be trying to create a vaccine not trying to help out create more of the doses. i think trust is the big key. the doses. i think trust is the big ke . . ~' the doses. i think trust is the big ke. ., ., ., let's look in detail now at how many vaccine doses the uk has ordered. the government has ordered more of the oxford—astrazeneca vaccine than any other on the market — 100 million doses. that's enough to innoculate 50 million people — most of the uk population. there are 40 million doses of the pfizer—biontech vaccine on order. it also requires two doses, and so covers 20 million people. pfizer and oxford—astrazeneca are the only vaccines currently being rolled out in the uk. the moderna vaccine has been approved for use, but supplies aren't expected until spring. there are 17 million doses on orderfrom the us company, which covers 8.5 million people. novavax is the vaccine which reported strong preliminary results last night, showing it to be nearly 90% effective in trials, with the uk having ordered 60 million doses. the government hopes that the jab — to be produced on teesside — will be approved soon. 30 million doses have been secured of the janssen vaccine, which is owned byjohnson &johnson. results from the phase three clinical study are expected later this month — crucially they've been trialling giving patients just one dose, rather than two. the government has secured 60 million doses from the austrian company valneva, with an option to acquire 130 million more if its vaccine is proven to be safe, effective and suitable. and finally, 60 million doses of a glaxosmithkline and sanofi vaccine have been ordered, with clinical trials ongoing. interim results showed an immune response in adults under 50, but a lower response in older adults. with me now is professor simon kroll from imperial college london — he is also a member of thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation — which advises uk's official vaccination body. good afternoon. thank you for joining us. it's interesting, isn't it, that we have this platter of vaccines, all seemingly coming at the same time. is that something that you expected?— that you expected? well, good afternoon- _ that you expected? well, good afternoon. the _ that you expected? well, good afternoon. the answer, - that you expected? well, good afternoon. the answer, i- that you expected? well, good. afternoon. the answer, i guess, ism _ afternoon. the answer, i guess, ism it's— afternoon. the answer, i guess, ism it's hard _ afternoon. the answer, i guess, is... it's hard to answer. it wasn't clear— is... it's hard to answer. it wasn't clear in— is... it's hard to answer. it wasn't clear in the — is... it's hard to answer. it wasn't clear in the early stages how quickly— clear in the early stages how quickly vaccines would reach a stage of close _ quickly vaccines would reach a stage of close to _ quickly vaccines would reach a stage of close to approval are being approved, or indeed whether individual products would receive three _ individual products would receive three macro reach that stage at all. more _ three macro reach that stage at all. more than— three macro reach that stage at all. more than the population would need if they— more than the population would need if they were all available at the same _ if they were all available at the same time. but there was a precautionary principle at work to make _ precautionary principle at work to make sure — precautionary principle at work to make sure that there is vaccines that did — make sure that there is vaccines that did make it through to regulatory approval would be available in the uk, and the situation _ available in the uk, and the situation we find ourselves in now is that— situation we find ourselves in now is that we — situation we find ourselves in now is that we have two approved and being _ is that we have two approved and being used, another approved which would _ being used, another approved which would come into use later in the year. _ would come into use later in the year. and — would come into use later in the year, and others. and you mentioned the novavax — year, and others. and you mentioned the novavax vaccine in particular. which _ the novavax vaccine in particular. which we — the novavax vaccine in particular. which we hope will be approved and will then— which we hope will be approved and will then be available towards the end of— will then be available towards the end of the year. and then others, too _ end of the year. and then others, too so. _ end of the year. and then others, too so. yes. _ end of the year. and then others, too. so, yes, it sounds in the face of it— too. so, yes, it sounds in the face of it a _ too. so, yes, it sounds in the face of it a remarkable plethora of vaccines. _ of it a remarkable plethora of vaccines, but we couldn't have been sure that _ vaccines, but we couldn't have been sure that we — vaccines, but we couldn't have been sure that we were going to have effective — sure that we were going to have effective products in good time as we wanted to make sure as best we could _ we wanted to make sure as best we could. �* . we wanted to make sure as best we could. �*, ., , , ., could. it's absolutely wonderful, and the suggestion _ could. it's absolutely wonderful, and the suggestion from - could. it's absolutely wonderful, | and the suggestion from johnson could. it's absolutely wonderful, i and the suggestion from johnson & johnson, the second macro vaccine, thatis johnson, the second macro vaccine, that is a one—shot dose, potentially. —— janssen. that is a one—shot dose, potentially. ——janssen. it that is a one-shot dose, potentially. -- janssen. it is constructed _ potentially. -- janssen. it is constructed on _ potentially. -- janssen. it is constructed on rather - potentially. —— janssen. it is constructed on rather similar lines to the _ constructed on rather similar lines to the astrazeneca vaccine. and they have now _ to the astrazeneca vaccine. and they have now published interim data on that vaccine's efficacy after one dose. _ that vaccine's efficacy after one dose, although it is likely that a second — dose, although it is likely that a second dose... there will be studies on the _ second dose... there will be studies on the use _ second dose... there will be studies on the use of— second dose... there will be studies on the use of a second dose to cement— on the use of a second dose to cement the strong, lasting immune response _ cement the strong, lasting immune response. yes, the data from just one dose — response. yes, the data from just one dose certainly look encouraging. and the _ one dose certainly look encouraging. and the uk's role in all of this, not simply in the development of the oxford vaccine, but in the sequencing of the genome, for instance, to sort of recognised variants. , . ., , variants. pretty central? yes, i think there _ variants. pretty central? yes, i think there has _ variants. pretty central? yes, i think there has been _ variants. pretty central? yes, i think there has been a - variants. pretty central? yes, i think there has been a really . think there has been a really tremendous amount of work done in the uk. _ tremendous amount of work done in the uk, done through public health england _ the uk, done through public health england and cambridge university and other institutions. which has made an enormous contribution internationally, and i think it is one that — internationally, and i think it is one that we should all feel very proud _ one that we should all feel very proud of — one that we should all feel very roud of. �* ., , , ., proud of. but at this stage, professor. _ proud of. but at this stage, professor, of _ proud of. but at this stage, professor, of the _ proud of. but at this stage, professor, of the global- proud of. but at this stage, - professor, of the global attempt to tackle this vaccine, if you have manufacturer in belgium or another part of europe that is not allowed to export, where does that potentially, do you think, leave the uk? . ., ,~. potentially, do you think, leave the uk? . ., _, potentially, do you think, leave the uk? ., , uk? what you might call this vaccine nationalism is, _ uk? what you might call this vaccine nationalism is, to _ uk? what you might call this vaccine nationalism is, to me, _ uk? what you might call this vaccine nationalism is, to me, and _ uk? what you might call this vaccine nationalism is, to me, and i - uk? what you might call this vaccine nationalism is, to me, and i speak. nationalism is, to me, and i speak personally. — nationalism is, to me, and i speak personally, a worrying and sad element — personally, a worrying and sad element i_ personally, a worrying and sad element. i have to say, i see it as a threat _ element. i have to say, i see it as a threat much more to countries are far poorer— a threat much more to countries are far poorer than ourselves and for less well— far poorer than ourselves and for less well placed. i don't see this, as less well placed. idon't see this, as far— less well placed. idon't see this, as far as— less well placed. i don't see this, as far as the _ less well placed. i don't see this, as far as the uk is concerned, as being _ as far as the uk is concerned, as being a _ as far as the uk is concerned, as being a long—term problem. i'm sure that the _ being a long—term problem. i'm sure that the different vaccine companies, the problem is that they're — companies, the problem is that they're having with immediate production, will be resolved within a relatively short period of time. as you _ a relatively short period of time. as you have said, there are many different— as you have said, there are many different products being developed by companies which will lessen the tension _ by companies which will lessen the tension to— by companies which will lessen the tension to some extent. but i think it is a _ tension to some extent. but i think it is a depressing and somewhat ugly development, that we see countries understandably anxious not to lose their vaccine, understandably anxious not to lose theirvaccine, but understandably anxious not to lose their vaccine, but perhaps losing sight _ their vaccine, but perhaps losing sight of— their vaccine, but perhaps losing sight of the broad international picture. — sight of the broad international picture, the need for this vaccine all over— picture, the need for this vaccine all over the — picture, the need for this vaccine all over the world. it is only going to be _ all over the world. it is only going to be by— all over the world. it is only going to be by protecting everyone in the world _ to be by protecting everyone in the world that — to be by protecting everyone in the world that eventually we are going to come _ world that eventually we are going to come out of the other end decisively from this pandemic. it does decisively from this pandemic. does feel decisively from this pandemic. it does feel as if you have hit the nail on the head. while you have got all of these rich countries are scrapping, and frankly it is unedifying as you have signalled, they have got the money and can find a way out of this. ultimately, this is a global effort, and if you have infections rising and issues with vaccination in poorer countries then we are not going to solve this problem at all for us, for the rich nations? 1 problem at all for us, for the rich nations? ~ ., , ., , , nations? i think that is absolutely ri . ht. that nations? i think that is absolutely right- that is _ nations? i think that is absolutely right. that is why, _ nations? i think that is absolutely right. that is why, speaking - nations? i think that is absolutely right. that is why, speaking now| right. that is why, speaking now scientifically rather than politically, it is so important that vaccines— politically, it is so important that vaccines can be easily stored and easily— vaccines can be easily stored and easily transported and delivered in countries — easily transported and delivered in countries where cold chain will be rather _ countries where cold chain will be rather more primitive than we have here. _ rather more primitive than we have here. it's _ rather more primitive than we have here, it's really important. the vaccines— here, it's really important. the vaccines that have to be stored at -80 celsius — vaccines that have to be stored at —80 celsius represent a scientific tour de _ —80 celsius represent a scientific tour de force, but in terms of the practical— tour de force, but in terms of the practical use of vaccines, vaccines that can _ practical use of vaccines, vaccines that can be — practical use of vaccines, vaccines that can be stored in an ordinary fridge _ that can be stored in an ordinary fridge like — that can be stored in an ordinary fridge like the astrazeneca vaccine, like we _ fridge like the astrazeneca vaccine, like we just heard in your previous package. — like we just heard in your previous package, the novavax vaccine, these are the _ package, the novavax vaccine, these are the vaccines that are going to help us— are the vaccines that are going to help us towards a world that is, a whole _ help us towards a world that is, a whole world, that covid is controlled. it whole world, that covid is controlled.— whole world, that covid is controlled. , ., whole world, that covid is controlled. ., ., controlled. it is a pleasure to have our controlled. it is a pleasure to have your perspective — controlled. it is a pleasure to have your perspective on _ controlled. it is a pleasure to have your perspective on bbc— controlled. it is a pleasure to have your perspective on bbc news. . controlled. it is a pleasure to have i your perspective on bbc news. thank your perspective on bbc news. thank you very much. let's talk to our health correspondentjim reed about those new eu controls. we've got plans in brussels making the astrazeneca vaccine that the eu has now, in the last few hours, approved. if there is member states decided they are not going to allow exports, where does that leave the uk in terms of rolling out its vaccine programme? irate uk in terms of rolling out its vaccine programme? we will have to see if there — vaccine programme? we will have to see if there is _ vaccine programme? we will have to see if there is mechanisms _ vaccine programme? we will have to see if there is mechanisms which - vaccine programme? we will have to i see if there is mechanisms which the eu has decided to put in place are actually going to be used. at the moment, what they're saying today is that there is the possibility now of individual member states within the member states, individual member states within the memberstates, belgium in individual member states within the member states, belgium in this case, of imposing export controls and effectively blocking vaccines leaving the eu. now, obviously that could now include the uk in this instance. in terms of how much this might affect us here in this country, the most obvious way is through the visor vaccine, which is currently being made in belgium. now, we've had a fairfew currently being made in belgium. now, we've had a fair few deliveries of this coming through at the moment. we think we are pretty well stocked until the end of february with that vaccine. so it is more medium term. where we might be in march or april. if we do see an escalation of these tensions, and if a tension is being made to block exports outside of the eu, it is important to mention how interconnected all of these plants are. we talk today about another vaccine, which is hopefully soon going to get approval, which had its trial results published today by janssen. that is going to be made in switzerland, which is clearly outside of the eu. what is called the fill and finish, which is where they put it into the individual bottles, is being done in spain. to see how the supply chains are more complicated than we might think we are, and how different countries might become affected by these rules. . . might become affected by these rules. , ., ~ ., ., rules. given what we know, at the moment, rules. given what we know, at the moment. if— rules. given what we know, at the moment, if things _ rules. given what we know, at the moment, if things stay _ rules. given what we know, at the moment, if things stay the - rules. given what we know, at the moment, if things stay the same, | rules. given what we know, at the - moment, if things stay the same, the government should be able to meet its target of the first most vulnerable groups to be vaccinated by mid—february. we should be able to meet that? taste by mid-february. we should be able to meet that?— by mid-february. we should be able to meet that? ~ , ., , . 4. to meet that? we should be. we think there's enough — to meet that? we should be. we think there's enough vaccine _ to meet that? we should be. we think there's enough vaccine already - to meet that? we should be. we think there's enough vaccine already in - there's enough vaccine already in there's enough vaccine already in the country to meet that commitment. the issue is, there is raw vaccine, which could well be here, and then it has to be, in the case of the astrazeneca vaccine, there is a fill and finish process. it has to be put into individualfiles and finish process. it has to be put into individual files and then the regulator has to look at each batch and decide if that is safe to give. that is the bit of the process that hasn't quite been completed yet. but in terms of the raw vaccine, we do think there is enough there to meet that initial commitment. like i say, it is more likely to be an issue, perhaps, march, april, as the vaccination programme rose not more widely. vaccination programme rose not more widel . ~ . . vaccination programme rose not more widel. ., ., .., . , widely. what are the chances astrazeneca _ widely. what are the chances astrazeneca sorting - widely. what are the chances astrazeneca sorting out - widely. what are the chances astrazeneca sorting out its . widely. what are the chances - astrazeneca sorting out its problems at its plant in belgium, and that therefore meeting the contractual obligation it has with the european union? why can't theyjust fix the problem in brussels? it’s problem in brussels? it's fascinating. _ problem in brussels? it's fascinating. i'm - problem in brussels? it's fascinating. i'm glad - problem in brussels? it's fascinating. i'm glad you | problem in brussels? it's - fascinating. i'm glad you find it fascinating- — fascinating. i'm glad you find it fascinating. the _ fascinating. i'm glad you find it fascinating. the way _ fascinating. i'm glad you find it fascinating. the way vaccines l fascinating. i'm glad you find it l fascinating. the way vaccines are roduced fascinating. the way vaccines are produced about _ fascinating. the way vaccines are produced about most _ fascinating. the way vaccines are produced about most people - fascinating. the way vaccines are l produced about most people think fascinating. the way vaccines are - produced about most people think of this as a manufacturing process, like making sprockets or something. that is not quite how it works. some are described to me as like delia smith making a recipe. you might follow the recipe book and it might turn out differently each time. the advantages they've got in this country, the plants here, is that we started earlier in the process, so they had time to iron out some of these difficulties before rolling it out widely across the whole country. those plants that astrazeneca has in the netherlands and belgium are having teething problems because they haven't quite worked out the best recipe to use. and sometimes it is not obvious what is wrong, so take some time to go through that process. take some time to go through that rocess. . take some time to go through that rocess. , ., ., process. 0k, give us a rough estimate _ process. 0k, give us a rough estimate of _ process. 0k, give us a rough estimate of when _ process. 0k, give us a rough estimate of when they - process. 0k, give us a rough estimate of when they might process. 0k, give us a rough i estimate of when they might fix it? it is really hard for me to sit here and say, and i don't think astrazeneca really know themselves. that is part of the problem. the pressure they are under from the eu at the moment, they are going to be working around the clock on this. if they could fix this as quickly as possible, obviously those plants in the eu can start rolling out, and they would not be this pressure to deliver other vaccine doses from their uk factories. that is the issue, it isjust their uk factories. that is the issue, it is just trying to work through these teething problems, but is the problem you have when you try to set up a is the problem you have when you try to setup a system like this, which is very complete data. to be there to the companies involved, this is the kind of thing that would normally take years and years to get off of the ground, and they are trying to do it in less than a year. we are all amateur virologist now, jim, and it is fascinating. i'm loving it. the vaccine programme here relies on volunteers. 30,000 volunteers have been signed up to help the nhs with the roll—out of the covid—19 vaccines and they will now qualify to receive the jab themselves. the first aid charity, stjohn ambulance, says volunteers will be classed as front line health workers and given priority. no one here is a medical professional. theyjust want no one here is a medical professional. they just want to help. sarah normally works as a yoga teacher. “ �* . ., , ., teacher. "i've never in'ected anyone before" so teacher. �*i've never in'ected anyone before- so .— teacher. "i've never in'ected anyone before- so i am h teacher. "i've never injected anyone before" so i am looking _ teacher. "i've never injected anyone before" so i am looking forward i teacher. "i've never injected anyone before" so i am looking forward to l before" so i am looking forward to getting _ before" so i am looking forward to getting into practice.— before" so i am looking forward to getting into practice. esme has only started studying _ getting into practice. esme has only started studying medicine. - getting into practice. esme has only started studying medicine. he i started studying medicine. he vaccine means this is the first time she has unable to get any practical experience. i she has unable to get any practical experience-_ experience. i don't 'ust want to sta at experience. i don't 'ust want to stay at home _ experience. i don't 'ust want to stay at home and i experience. i don't just want to stay at home and tell _ experience. i don't just want to stay at home and tell people i experience. i don't just want to i stay at home and tell people to experience. i don't just want to i stay at home and tell people to do it. i want you facilitated.— it. i want you facilitated. before this point. _ it. i want you facilitated. before this point. all— it. i want you facilitated. before this point, all the _ it. i want you facilitated. before this point, all the volunteers i it. i want you facilitated. before l this point, all the volunteers have done extensive online learning, but this is the first time they are actually picking up syringes and interacting with other people. it means that the first time they give a vaccination will be in a dedicated vaccination centre. stjohn ambulance needs to train 30,000 people to help the nhs with the vaccine roll—out, because the volunteers are now front line health workers they are now considered a priority group and will be given the covid vaccine.— priority group and will be given the covid vaccine. getting a vaccination out there by _ covid vaccine. getting a vaccination out there by these _ covid vaccine. getting a vaccination out there by these volunteers i covid vaccine. getting a vaccination out there by these volunteers who l out there by these volunteers who are well—trained, well qualified and are well—trained, well qualified and are confident to deliver it should reassure — are confident to deliver it should reassure the general public that they are — reassure the general public that they are getting as good a care as they are getting as good a care as they would get anywhere. the}r they are getting as good a care as they would get anywhere. they will be workin: they would get anywhere. they will be working in _ they would get anywhere. they will be working in venues _ they would get anywhere. they will be working in venues like _ they would get anywhere. they will be working in venues like this. i they would get anywhere. they will| be working in venues like this. more vaccination centres are being created every week, including some in stadiums and places of worship. the government has set itself a target to give everyone in the top four priority groups their first dose before the middle of february. that is front line health care workers, anyone deemed to be extremely clinically vulnerable, care home residents and staff, as well as anyone over the age of 70. but these volunteers will be needed far beyond february. the aim remains to offer the vaccine to every adult in the uk by the autumn. richard, it's good to see you. it's great that you've got people who can get involved in this effort, which is a massive effort to vaccinate as many people in the uk as quickly as possible. people in the uk as quickly as -ossible. �* . . people in the uk as quickly as -ossible. �*, ., ., .,, . possible. it's a fantastic opportunity _ possible. it's a fantastic opportunity for - possible. it's a fantastic opportunity for st i possible. it's a fantastic opportunity for st john l possible. it's a fantastic _ opportunity for st john ambulance to opportunity for stjohn ambulance to step forward, as your package said, with 30,000 people at the end of march involved in this. a fantastic group of people from all different walks of life, all different parts of our communities. this is volunteers are stepping forward, communities vaccinating communities, it is a fantastic effort. had communities vaccinating communities, it is a fantastic effort.— it is a fantastic effort. had you been lobbying _ it is a fantastic effort. had you been lobbying to _ it is a fantastic effort. had you been lobbying to be _ it is a fantastic effort. had you been lobbying to be involved l it is a fantastic effort. had you | been lobbying to be involved in this, or did the government and authorities come to you? we have been supporting — authorities come to you? we have been supporting the _ authorities come to you? we have been supporting the nhs - authorities come to you? we have been supporting the nhs right i been supporting the nhs right through the pandemic, since march last year. we have delivered about 280,000 hours of support to the nhs. our volunteer ambulance crews are fast approaching their hundred thousandth hour of emergency cover, and a similaramount thousandth hour of emergency cover, and a similar amount of volunteering in hospitals has taken place as well. so we have been part of the nhs response to covid since the beginning, and we were talking right through the year about what more we could do. and the mass vaccination programme came along. it was obviously a great fit.— programme came along. it was obviously a great fit. they have taken to it- _ obviously a great fit. they have taken to it. there _ obviously a great fit. they have taken to it. there were - obviously a great fit. they have taken to it. there were no i obviously a great fit. they have i taken to it. there were no issues as far as getting enough volunteers to get involved were concerned? hie. get involved were concerned? no, absolutely- _ get involved were concerned? no, absolutely. our— get involved were concerned? iifr. absolutely. our target is two, by the end of march, to have 30,000 people out doing this work. we've had over 60,000 people register an interest with us already. about getting involved in this. at the moment, we've got about 18,000 people going through the training programme. so we are not having any shortage. we are very lucky with the number of people who are coming forward, and we are very grateful to every single one of the people who have applied and you are in the process, notjust those have applied and you are in the process, not just those actually at sites providing the vaccinations, but our trainers, are logistic teams, but fundamentally our volunteers that are interviewing, screening and recruiting this army of people. there is so much work hidden behind the scenes of this. everybody that your viewers will meet in a vaccination centre has an army of people behind them who have made that possible. you guys have seen the pressure that there has been on the health service throughout this pandemic and how frankly you guys, with an extra pair of hands, can help those hard—pressed front line workers. ha rd—pressed front line workers. absolutely. hard—pressed front line workers. absolutely. if i look at our hospital volunteering, our volunteers have been doing things to advocate, look after patients, to make sure the nursing and medical staff are freed up to provide the medical care that those patients require, so we have been able to make sure that all the other things that need to be done to get done on patients have someone to sit with them all have other less clinical needs attended to, so we have been there to make sure the medical professionals are freed up to do the work that only they can do. it’s work that only they can do. it's treat work that only they can do. it's great what _ work that only they can do. it's great what you're doing, thank you very much to you and all the volunteers. sport and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre here's olly foster. good afternoon. concussion substitutions are going to be trialled in the premier league from next month. a maximum of two subs can be used per team, regardless of the number of regular substitutions already made. it will also allow for the opposition side to make an equivalent number of changes. they will be introduced on the 6th february in the premier league and women's super league and also in the next round of the fa cup. england manager gareth southgate is taking part in a study researching possible links between football and dementia. he said that, now he is 50, he is eligible to volunteer for the heading study at the london school of hygiene and tropical medicine, which is backed by the fa. he hopes the research can provide crucial insight and he's urged other former players to take part. ole gunnar solskjaer and sam allardyce say more has to be done to combat online racist abuse. manchester united players anthony martial and axel tuanzebe were both targeted this week, and west bromwich albion have contacted the police following what they have described as an abhorrent message sent to their midfielder, romaine sawyers, in the wake of their defeat to manchester city. he's extremely upset. we have gone through the right course, the right channels, and we will see what the outcome will be. obviously listening to the news today, he has suffered throughout football in the last few days yet again, so it really does become a greater thing to put right. but where does it live, who does it lie with? the social media platforms need to be looked, if you can create anonymous accounts, you can abuse people. it's not right. we will work together with everyone to stop this nonsense. west ham have signed said benrahma on a permanent basis, and that frees up a loan spot forjesse lingard. benrahma joined from brentford on deadline day in the october transfer window, and he's now signed a contract until 2026. that paves the way for lingard's loan move from manchester united for the rest of the season. west ham are fifth in the table, six points off the top. nauman ali made a magnificent debut for pakistan, giving them a seven—wicket victory over south africa in the first test in karachi. he took 5 for 35, brushing aside the visitors' tail and leaving pakistan to chase just 88 runs for victory, which they reached with ease and with a day to spare. the second and final test starts on thursday before three t20 games. this is south africa's first tour to pakistan in 14 years. the former england netball coach, tracey neville, has taken on a key role with manchester thunder. it's her firstjob in the sport since she stood down from the england role after a successful four years, which included winning commonwealth games gold in 2018. before that, she was a player and head coach at thunder and, in the newly—created role of technical operations director, neville will work alongside the coaching team on matchdays and she'll be responsible for the club's performance strategy. some of the top tennis players have been taking part in an exhibition event in adelaide after coming out of their two—week quarantine ahead of the australian open. world number one novak djokovic had pulled out of his match with a blistered hand but appeared in the second set, taking over from his stand—in, filip krajinovic, and beating yannik sinner. he said he was sorry he didn't play from the start but he hoped everyone enjoyed the show. i know it's a difficult time for the entire planet and everybody is suffering. i'mjust entire planet and everybody is suffering. i'm just grateful that in front of all the players we have an opportunity to be here. it was not easy being in quarantine in 14 days, being constrained in the room, a few hours to train, but at the end of the day was worth it because you guys made it very special today for us. thank you so much. that's all the sport for now. let's get more on the news that the eu has confirmed its introducing export controls on coronavirus vaccines produced within its borders. the bloc is currently in a row with astrazeneca about the delivery of millions of doses. under the plans, individual member states will decide whether supplies can go to other countries, including the uk. it comes as the european union's medicines regulator approves the use of the oxford—astrazeneca vaccine for use for all people over the age of 18. we can now speak to dr siddhartha datta, programme managerfrom the vaccine preventable diseases programme at the who regional office for europe. it's appalling that we are having this battle between the european union and astrazeneca and potentially exports being blocked in the middle of the pandemic in which people are dying. the middle of the pandemic in which people are dying-— the middle of the pandemic in which people are dying. thank you so much for havin: people are dying. thank you so much for having me — people are dying. thank you so much for having me on _ people are dying. thank you so much for having me on the _ people are dying. thank you so much for having me on the show. - people are dying. thank you so much for having me on the show. before i l for having me on the show. before i go into that, we need to acknowledge what has happened since the detection of the virus and the amount of vaccine research and development that has gone into it, and we have three vaccines already being rolled out by various countries in the world, so just wanted to recognise that the scientific and research community has put into it. the situation we have seen now with production has created uncomfortable notes within the eu, and we acknowledge the effort that every member state is trying to ensure that the population has access to this global public good, so these teething problems we are seeing with the manufacturing process of the vaccine is recognisable, but we do understand that every country including the eu would wish to see the vaccine roll—out happens quickly. but would wish to see the vaccine roll-out happens quickly. but what's our roll-out happens quickly. but what's your advice. — roll-out happens quickly. but what's your advice, given _ roll-out happens quickly. but what's your advice, given that _ roll-out happens quickly. but what's your advice, given that we _ roll-out happens quickly. but what's your advice, given that we are i roll-out happens quickly. but what's your advice, given that we are in - your advice, given that we are in the middle of a pandemic, people are dying, and we all acknowledge that it's a fantastic scientific achievement to get so many vaccines out there rolling at this moment in time, and yet the whole situation is being sullied by what is an unedifying bunny between astrazeneca and the european commission? == and the european commission? -- bani. let and the european commission? » bani. let me answer your question into different parts. we understood pretty early in october when the global strategic advisory group of the who understood that the vaccine demand and the availability of the vaccine will not be commensurate to one another so hence the who advised the member states to prioritise the population groups. not everyone will get the vaccine, but let's see who gets it. the different parameters, who is getting affected, how much volume vaccines are available, and then looking at the size, who can be covered, and i think all the countries in the eu and others are doing this privatisation of popularisation group so they can get it. the second part of that one is while we are doing this, the production issues we see now, that was not up there on the table when these discussions were happening, but the countries will definitely have to re—purpose, look into the current situation and go back, and look into what the strategies need to be done in the countries. figs look into what the strategies need to be done in the countries. as the world health _ to be done in the countries. as the world health organization - to be done in the countries. as the world health organization had - to be done in the countries. as the world health organization had any| world health organization had any dialogue with any of the manufacturers, astrazeneca, for instance, in the middle of this row? the who's engagement with the manufacturers which led to them submitting their documents for review of providing the emergency listing of their use within the covax facility. covax is a mechanism which the who has put together, an unprecedented mechanism, to allow all countries to get access to this vaccine. within the mechanism, it is a co—convenor of that one who engages with the different portfolios of vaccine developers the other. who's role within that, covax's mechanism is to provide the guidance and norms about how countries... whether it relates to regulatory processes of the vaccines all the different technical elements that need to be put in for a smooth and efficient implementation. regional advisor of the vaccine preventable diseases and immunisation programme, thank you. breaking newsjust immunisation programme, thank you. breaking news just coming immunisation programme, thank you. breaking newsjust coming in immunisation programme, thank you. breaking news just coming in and involving kent fire and rescue service being called to assist kent police at napier barracks in folkestone in kent. this follows reports as you can see the of a fire, and we understand that the barracks is home to hundreds of asylum seekers. kent fire and rescue service saying eight fire engines have been sent to the scene, people living and working in the surrounding area are advised to close their windows and doors as a precaution due to smoke coming from the air, and you can see it is developing there. we can't see any flames as such but a lot of smoke there in that footage. but as i say there in that footage. but as i say the area is home to a few hundred asylum seekers there at napier barracks, so any more of this we will bring it to you when we get it but the fire is a developing story there. a new project is helping older people get to covid vaccination centres safely while providing much—needed work for taxi drivers. cabs forjabs uses donations to fund free taxi rides for those who need them most. duncan kennedy has more. the idea could not be simpler. from door to door, via a free to use taxi. it's called cabs forjabs. oh, they're great, yeah, great. the doctors told me about them so, yeah, very good. 75—year—old sylvia from winchester is about to take her taxi. are you ok there? it would normally take sylvia two bus journeys to get to the vaccination centre. instead, sean, a local taxi driver, is taking herforfree. they're really flexible on the time of the jab as well, so don't panic about timings. cabs forjabs was the idea of a group of friends who set up a gofundme page. the money raised pays for the taxi. so far, it's helped more than 100 elderly people. a lot of people in rural communities are going to struggle getting - to their vaccination, - a number of different buses. so, just to know that they can call la service, get a free taxi and getl to their appointment is just a huge weight off their minds _ and a huge relief. sylvia arrives at the vaccination centre in plenty of time. ready for your jab? yes. and joins the queue already there before answering a few questions. being brought here also helps the doctors. if they didn't come here, we would have to visit them at home, which is quite difficult to take time out of clinical sessions and also to actually transport the vaccine outside of the surgery. no reactions to vaccines in the past? it's soon time for sylvia's covid vaccination. a sharp scratch... job done. as all this is happening, taxi driver sean is sterilising his cab again and taking more calls from elderly customers. thanks, then, bye. another covid one? yes, yeah, another one, yeah. a busy day? a busy day, yeah. 22 today and 36 tomorrow, so very busy, yeah. in fact, the public have so far raised nearly £10,000 to pay for the taxis. having the vaccination already is worrying enough, let alone worrying about having... you know, how to get there and how to get back. so we're taking all the worry away from them, which is a great relief for everybody. then it's time for sylvia's ride back home, thanks to a scheme that's now also taking off in places like brighton, southampton and tonbridge. what do you now think of cabs forjabs? very good. best. yeah, they deserve a medal! it's a fair idea for a fare—free service. cup of tea time. duncan kennedy, bbc news, in winchester. the eu confirms it's introducing export controls on coronavirus vaccines. it means individual member states will decide whether to allow exports produced in their own country.. the eu regulator has now given full approval for the oxford—astrazeneca covid vaccine to be given to all over—18s across the bloc. in the uk, a new coronavirus vaccine, which will be largely manufactured in teeside, is shown to be 89% effective in trials. ministers in england are being urged to consider allowing some pupils to repeat a year if they are not happy with their exam grades. the call from the education policy institute think tank comes as the government ends its consultation on how students will be awarded grades this summer, after exams were cancelled for a second year. and there are concerns that some pupils are being disadvantaged by an inability to access lessons because they still don't have laptops or affordable broadband. fiona lamdin reports. it's a life changer. and it's also a life saver. this was the moment when alawia and khadijia, ten—year—old identical twins, were given a donated laptop. it made a big impact on our lives because you can get more education and you can get more work done. and we can see our teacher on the online lessons on zoom. the live lessons are amazing, actually. sometimes, we do fun stuff. it's notjust the lack of devices that's making it hard for some to study. many families are struggling to get online. near the english—welsh border live the bennetts. they're dairy farmers. our internet isn't so good, so we don't get to do so much stuff. for their children, drew and megan, home—schooling is a struggle. with maths and english, it's really hard because we can't watch the videos, so we just have to do it on a piece of paper. their broadband is so slow, live lessons are out of the question. we can't get onto a zoom session. they don't get to do any of the live lessons or the links to tutorial videos that they can watch. it's simply paper, printed—out stuff. are you worried they're falling behind? i think they probably are because they don't get that interaction from their teacher. they can't get ag reception. to cable it from where there is a signal would cost thousands — something they can't afford. ofcom found that 6% of households have difficulties paying their broadband while 5% of families struggle with their mobile phone bill. this is khadra and her family in bristol. she can't afford broadband or mobile data. her seven children haven't been able to do any home learning. i don't have anything. i don't have internet and computer. has it been very hard? very, very hard. the internet is the full money, i don't have. and as we were filming, this charity not only donated a laptop, but a ag dongle. families are having to choose between food, heating or internet connection and, if they have young people in the family that need education, then that's quite a tough choice to make. the department for education say they've given over 50,000 ag routers to schools for disadvantaged children. after missing out on nearly a month of education, khadra's children can now restart studying. fiona lamdin, bbc news. to donate a laptop or for more details on getting online, go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference. the eu's drugs regulator has approved the use of the oxford—astrazeneca covid vaccine for people aged over 18. the move comes amid a dispute over whether astra—zeneca is breaking its vaccine delivery commitments to the eu. the european commission has published its contract with the anglo—swedish drug—maker, hoping to show a breach. david greene is a senior partner at edwin coe the president law society — it represents and governs solicitors for thejurisdiction of england and wales. from what scene, and i know it's a redacted copy, does the eu commission have a case? bat and what you've seen. commission have a case? bat and what you've seen-— you've seen. this contract is sub'ect you've seen. this contract is subject to — you've seen. this contract is subject to belgian _ you've seen. this contract is subject to belgian law - you've seen. this contract is - subject to belgian law therefore i get general comments as a lawyer rather than the specifics. the answer is that there is a contract, it has been published, we have seen its terms, it does place obligations on both the commission and astrazeneca, and in terms of if there has been a breach of those terms, then you have resort to pursuing a claim in relation to that breach. it pursuing a claim in relation to that breach. ,, . , ., , breach. it specifically mentions manufacture _ breach. it specifically mentions manufacture in _ breach. it specifically mentions manufacture in the _ breach. it specifically mentions manufacture in the eu - breach. it specifically mentions manufacture in the eu but - breach. it specifically mentions manufacture in the eu but also j breach. it specifically mentions - manufacture in the eu but also the possibility of extra eu manufacture, ie the uk. that complicates things, doesn't it? hot ie the uk. that complicates things, doesn'tit? ., . ., , , doesn't it? not particularly. first of all, doesn't it? not particularly. first of all. there _ doesn't it? not particularly. first of all, there are _ doesn't it? not particularly. first of all, there are provisions - doesn't it? not particularly. first of all, there are provisions in - of all, there are provisions in relation to best endeavours. that has an effect. secondly, the idea behind this is their would—be manufacture of drugs within the eu, but it could also be within the uk, so it's only that, i don't think thatis so it's only that, i don't think that is a substantive point, but what is a substantive point is have astrazeneca in some fashion broken its obligations under the contract, and is the european commission right to be making a noise about it and saying that this will end up in court? i have to say, the issues here are rather typical of an international contract. i don't think i would say the two sides fighting in front of a court is the way to resolve these sorts of issues which need people to sit round a table in order to resolve them. and indeed the contract itself provides that they should sit round a table in order to resolve rather than go to court. , , ., ., , , to court. the suggestion of the best endeavours — to court. the suggestion of the best endeavours in _ to court. the suggestion of the best endeavours in this _ to court. the suggestion of the best endeavours in this contract, - to court. the suggestion of the best endeavours in this contract, does i endeavours in this contract, does that allow them the european commission to say, right, belgian, you're not allowed or if you feel you're not allowed or if you feel you don't want to stop exports going outside your country, you can do that? �* ., ., �* , ., , that? -- belgian. that's a different oint in that? -- belgian. that's a different point in it's — that? -- belgian. that's a different point in it's outside _ that? -- belgian. that's a different point in it's outside the _ that? -- belgian. that's a different point in it's outside the terms - that? -- belgian. that's a different point in it's outside the terms of. point in it's outside the terms of the contract. i think what one might be seen there is a frustrating event so if astrazeneca are not able to perform the part of the contract as a result of full instance export restrictions, that would be a different kettle of fish because astrazeneca would say, in response, i can't comply because of what a eu government is doing. that again introducing an unknown into any arguments between the commission and astrazeneca. bre arguments between the commission and astrazeneca. �* , ., , . , astrazeneca. are you expecting this otentiall astrazeneca. are you expecting this potentially to _ astrazeneca. are you expecting this potentially to go _ astrazeneca. are you expecting this potentially to go to _ astrazeneca. are you expecting this potentially to go to court, _ astrazeneca. are you expecting this potentially to go to court, or- astrazeneca. are you expecting this potentially to go to court, or do - potentially to go to court, or do you think, given the gravity of the pandemic we are in the middle of, a court battle to settle this would just be appalling? i court battle to settle this would just be appalling?— just be appalling? i think that's absolutely right. _ just be appalling? i think that's absolutely right. court - just be appalling? i think that's absolutely right. court should l absolutely right. court should always be a last resort. first of all because of the really serious issues that are at play here and secondly that doesn't actually resolve the issue, which is the supply of the drug, and courts will always be regarded as a last resort and a blunt instrument to resolve a dispute. we and a blunt instrument to resolve a disute. ~ dispute. we will end there, then. thank you — dispute. we will end there, then. thank you for— dispute. we will end there, then. thank you forjoining _ dispute. we will end there, then. thank you forjoining us, - dispute. we will end there, then. thank you forjoining us, david. l dispute. we will end there, then. | thank you forjoining us, david. an update on that why i was telling you about at napier barracks in folkestone. the fire brigade were called 2pm today, so three orfour fire brigade were called 2pm today, so three or four hours ago, there was also a report of a fire in one part of the building, offices are at the location and at this stage there are no reported injuries, remember that napier barracks is where we understand hundreds of asylum seekers are being housed. that fire is ongoing, kent police and the fire brigade are dealing with it, but there are no reported injuries or casualties at the moment and we have got no idea at this stage of the course of the fire, so that's the very latest. much more coming up now time for a look at the weather. yet again the uk becomes a battleground of the emesis this weekend with colder air pushing southwards, turning rain to sleet and snow. it could be heavy across parts of wales in the midlands and it would turn colderfor all areas. we in the midlands and it would turn colder for all areas. we have recently had mild air across much of the country but the cold air across north and scotland will drift southwards of the next few days stop low pressure on saturday tried to push up from the south—west of rain. bump into that coder and turning to sleet and snow, strong winds circulating around this area of low pressure as well so drifting over the higher ground. the rest of the day though the rain and who snow across scotland will ease down, dry the many, quite mild across the south, heavy showers clearing away from the south—east, a legacy of cloud left behind from the showers and this weather front so patchy rain, mitre of the higher ground but equally sunshine. ii or 12 degrees across the extreme south, not as smart as it was yesterday, colder further north. colder air across the north drift southwards overnight, the night, a few wintry showers in the night, a few wintry showers in the north—east of scotland, risk advice here comes the area of low pressure pushing that band of rain slowly northwards, increasingly turning to snow over the higher ground, but here not quite as cold at night. full saturday, very wet weather affecting the south—west quadrant, snow, some of the heavy across the mid and north wales, drifting in the strong wind and sleet and snow develops in the midlands, perhaps into the south—east with wet snow down to lower levels of 12, on the far south—west it will remain as is, colder elsewhere and right across the north. the area of low pressure clears away on saturday night, cold with the risk of frost and ice, a new area of low pressure will move in the sunday show a repeat performance with rain, sleet and snow pushing in to northern ireland, wales, the midlands and across southern england. pretty heavy snow likely across the higher grant of wales, further north cold but generally bright. —— ground. this is bbc news, i'm clive myrie. the headlines... the eu confirms it's introducing export controls on coronavirus vaccines. it means individual member states will decide whether to allow exports produced in their own country. the protection and safety of our citizens is a priority. and the challenges we now face left us with no other choice but to act. it's the latest step in the row with the pharmaceutical giant astrazeneca over delayed deliveries to the eu. the eu regulator has now given full approval for the oxford astrazeneca covid vaccine to be given to all over—18s across the bloc. in the uk, a new coronavirus vaccine, which will be largely manufactured in teeside, is shown to be 89% effective in trials. and another vaccine, developed by us manufacturerjohnson &johnson,

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