TESTING TIMES

Britain could lose out if we don’t win vaccine trial race

- Alan Selby

A VOW to put Brits first if we win the race to find a vaccine for the coronavirus could end up leaving us out in the cold if another country beats us to it, campaigners warn.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma promised the UK would have access to the first jabs if a serum developed by Oxford University scientists becomes the world leader.

But as tests continue, it is not yet certain that will be the case – and the minister’s vow could set back NHS access to a vaccine developed elsewhere, according to Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Research and policy of f icer Roz Scourse said: “There’s no guarantee that the Oxford vaccine will be the one. What happens if it’s not, if you’re saying things like that?

“That nationalistic view is something we’re really concerned about. We’re also hearing similar noises in the US.