'Welcome news': relief as EU backtracks on NI Covid vaccine move

Irish foreign minister warns Northern Ireland protocol not something to be tampered with lightly'

• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage
• Explainer: what is article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol?

The EU has said it is not triggering the safeguard clause" to block Covid vaccine exports from the bloc to Northern Ireland after widespread condemnation of the move.

The EU's initial decision to trigger a Brexit deal clause to place controls on the export of vaccines sparked criticism on both sides of Irish border and led to frantic talks including a call between the UK and Ireland to avert a full-scale crisis.