Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the estimates that less than one per cent of COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to low-income countries (2) the reports of increasing COVID-19 (a) infection rates, and (b) fatalities, in parts of (i) South Asia, (ii) South East Asia, and (iii) Africa, and (3) the need to balance sending vaccines to these regions against the decision to provide a third vaccination for 32 million people in the UK.

The UK has played a leading role in supporting global access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines from the outset of the pandemic, and stands alongside its international friends and partners during this deeply challenging time to tackle COVID-19 infections and fatalities. The UK is among the largest donors to COVAX, which has so far shipped over 95 million COVID-19 vaccines to 134 participants, and aims to provide doses equivalent to up to 30% of the population in low- and middle-income countries by early 2022, including countries in South Asia, South East Asia, and Africa. The UK's investment in the research and development of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has also been a key contribution to the global vaccination effort. So far, over 500 million doses of the vaccine have been distributed worldwide at non-profit prices, with two-thirds going to lower- and middle-income countries.

Making vaccines globally available not only helps end the coronavirus pandemic in developing countries, but will also reduce the threat posed by vaccine-resistant variants emerging in areas with large-scale outbreaks that could threaten the UK. The health of the UK public remains our priority, but this virus will not truly be beaten until it is defeated everywhere. The UK is proud that our G7 Presidency secured agreement from leaders to support vaccinating the world in 2022, and to share and finance an additional 1 billion doses over the next year to accelerate vaccine roll-out. This includes a commitment from the UK to share 100 million doses, 80% of which will go to COVAX to support countries in need. We will also work closely with G7 and international partners to mobilise international financing; increase vaccine supply; and support in-country delivery, including community mobilisation, and work to build vaccine confidence.