Welby criticises EU after trying to control vaccine supplies into Northern Ireland

 Reuters

The Archbishop of Canterbury has added his voice to criticism of the EU after it tried to override part of the Brexit deal to halt Covid-19 vaccines entering Northern Ireland. 

The EU was forced into an embarrassing U-turn on Saturday after its decision to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol sparked outrage in London, Dublin and Belfast.

Article 16 of the Protocol allows parts of the Brexit deal to be unilaterally overridden. The move would have led to checks at the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland on shipments entering the UK.

The UK and EU are locked in a row over vaccine supplies after a shortfall in the bloc caused by production delays at AstraZeneca.

Supply to the UK has not been affected, giving rise to accusations from the EU that it is receiving preferential treatment from the pharmaceutical company.

Archbishop Justin Welby urged the EU to work with others on resolving its supply issues. 

"The European Union was originally inspired by Christian social teaching - at the heart of which is solidarity," he said on Twitter.

"Seeking to control the export of vaccines undercuts the EU's basic ethics. They need to work together with others.

News
7 simple ways to stay close to God when you're on holiday
7 simple ways to stay close to God when you're on holiday

Here are 7 simple, meaningful ways to stay connected to God - no matter where you are.

Christians face 'increasingly perilous existence' in Syria; church bombing serves as 'brutal reminder'
Christians face 'increasingly perilous existence' in Syria; church bombing serves as 'brutal reminder'

The bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, last month that killed over two dozen people is an indication that Syria's Islamist-led authorities under President Ahmad al‑Sharaa are enabling radicalism that threatens the existence of Syria's Christian community, experts warn. 

Church calls for reform of tax and spend regime
Church calls for reform of tax and spend regime

The document takes issue with Britain’s current “individualised” form of taxation, saying this this puts single-earner families “at a significant disadvantage”.

Four CofE dioceses to receive £30m to spread the gospel
Four CofE dioceses to receive £30m to spread the gospel

More than half of the funds (£17.8 million) are going to the Diocese of Birmingham.