Boris Johnson schemed to send spies to raid a Dutch COVID-19 vaccine factory after being “enraged” over EU blockade

Say what now?

Yep, you read that right. It has been claimed by “diplomatic sources” that Boris Johnson considered sending spies to the Netherlands to seize coronavirus vaccines during the UK vaccine rollout.

Why did the former British Prime Minister feel the need to turn a situation that already felt like a horror movie into a spy movie?

According to him, the EU “stole” five million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines that were meant for the UK.

An EU blockade

Sources tell the Daily Mail that Johnson was left “enraged” after Brussels imposed a blockade of the five million vaccines.

Why did the EU do this? Apparently, Brussels was having quite a dispute with Halix, which produced the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Leiden-based company had sold a batch of five million jabs to the UK, but the EU needed to ensure it had its “fair share,” according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Investigate military operations

As a result, according to one source, Johnson asked “security services to look at whether there were any options for physically going and taking the vaccines from the Netherlands and bringing them here.”

“He did ask whether there were military options for just going and getting these vaccines.”

The idea of carrying out a covert raid was apparently dropped, however, after advisors warned that this would sour relations between the EU and the UK. WWIII and a pandemic? No one wanted that.

Johnson is expected to spill all the tea about the matter this week during a coronavirus inquiry.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

Dutch savings accounts: Best interest rates in the Netherlands in January 2025

Dutch savings accounts have increased their interest rates in recent years, but to get the best interest rate for your savings, you need to...

Hundreds of Dutch healthcare workers believe colleagues have false qualifications

Research carried out on 3,000 healthcare workers has led to worrying results. Hundreds of them report having colleagues with false qualifications.  The consequences? An inability...

24 fascinating things to do in Eindhoven in 2025

From ancient treasures to modern charms, Eindhoven is not only the design capital of the Netherlands — but it’s packed with exciting things to...

It's happening

Upcoming events