Britain will only agree to a legally binding global accord if there is a commitment that British-made shots are used for what the country deems to be its own national interest, the Telegraph said.

Britain’s health and social care department and the WHO did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The new pact and a series of updates to existing rules for dealing with pandemics from the WHO are intended to shore up the world’s defences against new pathogens after the Covid-19 pandemic killed millions of people.

One of the main points of disagreement between wealthy countries and developing states is the vexed issue of sharing drugs and vaccines fairly.

Countries are due to finalise negotiations on the accord on May 10, with a view to adopting it at the WHO’s annual meeting later this month.