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The EU says is ready to use “all legal means” to retain COVID-19 vaccine supplies, stepping up its threat to block exports of Pfizer jabs to the UK if necessary, The Independent reports. 

A leaked letter sent by Charles Michel, the European Council president, reveals Brussels is exploring “urgent measures to ensure effective vaccine production and supply for our population”.

The move to possible legal action comes despite the UK, in a possible olive branch, suggesting it could send its vaccine supplies to the EU once the most vulnerable people here have been inoculated.

The so-called “vaccine wars” have been sparked by AstraZeneca guaranteeing supplies to the UK – while delaying deliveries to the EU because of production problems, arguing its contract was signed later.

In response, Mr Michel said emergency measures were being explored to block exports, including of the Pfizer vaccine where the UK has 40 million doses on order.

“This would give the EU and member states the legal means, by adopting appropriate urgent measures, to ensure effective vaccine production and supply for our population,” he wrote.

“I made this suggestion to the Commission president Ursula von der Leyen so that we can explore this avenue imminently,” he told the leaders of Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Greece.

Mr Michel, who represents the EU's 27 member states, said efforts would continue to resolve the matter with AstraZeneca “through dialogue and negotiation”.

“However, if no satisfactory solution can be found, I believe we should explore all options and make use of all legal means and enforcement measures at our disposal under the treaties,” he added.