The UK and European Union will “reset” relations after Brussels triggered a provision in the Brexit deal to control vaccine exports, the Cabinet Office minister has said.
Ministers said they are confident that the EU will not block vaccines entering the UK.
It comes after Brussels reversed its widely-condemned decision which could have seen checks at the Irish border.
Michael Gove added the European Commission recognised its “mistake”.
He said he had spoken with European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič and the pair had agreed to put the people of Northern Ireland first.
Mr Gove said the UK was “on track” to deliver 15 million jabs by 15 February, adding that the UK’s programme would continue as planned.
And Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was “reassured the EU has no desire to block suppliers fulfilling contracts for vaccine distribution to the UK” following discussions with European Commission executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis.
The UK government says it is “committed to supporting equitable access to vaccines worldwide” but it is too early to formally talk about donating some of its vaccine supplies to other countries.
But a government spokesperson added: “This pandemic is a global challenge and international collaboration on vaccine development and production continues to be an integral part of our response.”