UKH

I hope this isn't true...

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/no-10-boris-johnson-accused-o...

Seems it is. Just posted the same from the BBC in another thread.

The bloc has said the UK can take part in the project, which will use the EU's buying power to purchase more stock.

The EU scheme will use the bloc's joint procurement agreement, which helps member states get the medical supplies it needs to tackle cross-border pandemics.

It has also created a stockpile of medical equipment - 90% of it financed by the European Commission - to help EU countries.

Last week, the UK was invited to take part in the scheme.

But a No 10 spokesman said the UK was "making [its] own efforts".

Downing Street confirmed on Thursday it would not join as "we are no longer members of the EU".

Slow clap boys, slow clap...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52052694

The headline isn't but the government procurement failing to secure that offer of ventilators and not wanting to join the EU scheme will almost certainly be true. In that context the Dyson story is as much theatre as practicality.

Ah, okay, sudden screech of brakes, burning rubber assailing the nostrils...

"Just as the press conference was about to start, Downing Street announced what amounts to a U-turn over participating in the EU-wide effort to procure ventilators and other medical equipment. A Downing Street spokesman said:"

From the Guardian's Live blog, 17.49 - 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2020/mar/26/uk-coronavirus-live-n...

Somebody didn't see the emails... 

Not a total U turn, but hopefully sense prevails. As it stands the statement reads as simply we remain eligible and might think about it next time. Time will tell. 

initial communication problem

protocol,error - one side was not listening