The European Union "recognise they made a mistake" by citing a Brexit deal clause to prevent coronavirus vaccine consignments entering the UK, according to a senior British minister.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove said the EU now realised it was in the wrong and pledged to work with the UK "to make sure their own problems can be tackled".

"I think the European Union recognise that they made a mistake in triggering Article 16, which would have meant the re-imposition of a border on the island of Ireland," Gove said.

"But now the European Union have stepped back, and they've stepped back following clear conversations that the prime minister has had with the European Commission president and I've had with European Commission vice president."

The EU had sought to override part of the Brexit deal following a dispute with AstraZeneca over shortages in COVID-19 doses.

The bloc had triggered Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, seeking to stop vaccines coming into the UK through "the back door" with checks at the border of the Republic and Northern Ireland.

It, however, backtracked on the decision after serious backlash from England and the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Gove said a reset of relations was needed in the aftermath of the incident.

EU officials said they requested AstraZeneca to deliver some doses manufactured in the UK to Europe to compensate for the shortfall, however, the company said its contract with the UK prevented this.

The European Commission also revealed it was setting up controls on vaccine supplies from the EU to outside the bloc, while insisting it was not a ban.

(With input from agencies)