Boris says Covid vaccine to be made at Barnard Castle – and Twitter erupts

Boris Johnson confirms Novavax jabs will be made in the UK

The Prime Minister revealed up to 60 million doses of COVID vaccine will be manufactured at Barnard Castle. The north-eastern town became infamous last year when Dominic Cummings drove to Barnard Castle to check his eyesight. It didn’t take long for people to start tweeting about the news. 

One Twitter user wrote: “Just when we thought we’d heard the end of Barnard Castle.”

Another said: “You just couldn’t make it up, could you?”

A third added: “Ha ha. At their Barnard Castle facility.  Didn’t see that one Cumming.” 

A fourth wrote: “1. No it isn’t April 1st 

“2. They’re honestly trolling

“3. Is this one of those attempts to change what comes up when you google certain words… like I don’t know ‘Barnard Castle’.”

Boris says Covid vaccine to be made at Barnard Castle – and Twitter erupts (Image: Getty Images)

Dominic Cummings drove to Barnard Castle last year to check his eyesight (Image: Getty Images )

Another Twitter user joked: “Barnard Castle have had some cracking PR this year.”

Another added: “Finally, Barnard Castle getting some positive headlines.” 

Whilst another wrote: “Barnard Castle… This country has become a parody of itself..” 

At a Downing Street press briefing Boris Johnson revealed: “between 50 and 60 million doses of UK made vaccine, subject to the right approvals from the MHRA.”

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Dominic Cummings made a lockdown trip to Barnard Castle last year (Image: Getty Images)

Boris Johnson said a deal had been agreed with the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to bottle up and package Novavax vaccine.

Mr Johnson added: “I’m delighted by GSK’s investment, which shows the strength of UK manufacturing, and will further boost our vaccine rollout.

“The Vaccines Taskforce has worked hand in glove with business to successfully deliver vaccines to the whole of the UK, and this agreement will continue to support our approach.

“We remain on track to offer a first jab to all over 50s by 15 April, and all adults by the end of July, and I want to once again encourage everyone to come forward for a vaccine when you’re called.”

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The Novavax vaccine is yet to be approved by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

But is expected to be submitted for approval over the next few months after showing strong efficacy in a recent trial.