Capitalism and greed gave Britain its success in vaccinating its population, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told lawmakers in a closed meeting, praising pharmaceutical companies for developing a shot in record time.

The comments, reported by The Sun newspaper, were made by Johnson during a Zoom meeting and could inflame a row with the European Union which is considering a ban on vaccine exports to Britain.

“The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed my friends,” the newspaper quoted him as saying during a meeting with Conservative lawmakers to rally them to support coronavirus restrictions.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference at 10 Downing Street, on the day of reflection to mark the anniversary of Britain's first Covid-19 lockdown, in London, Britain, March 23. — Reuters
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference at 10 Downing Street, on the day of reflection to mark the anniversary of Britain's first Covid-19 lockdown, in London, Britain, March 23. — Reuters

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