International security

Boris Johnson warns G20 countries against acting in their own interests in Covid-19 battle after Germany accuses US of 'modern day piracy' after 200,000 face masks - destined for Berlin - were intercepted at Bangkok Airport and flown to America instead

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned G20 countries against acting in their own interests amid the Covid-19 pandemic after Germany accused the US of 'modern day piracy'. 

Protective face masks destined for Berlin were allegedly intercepted at a Thailand airport and diverted instead to the US, prompting angry German officials to blast Donald Trump for the move.

Mr Johnson alongside Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab have warned against 'damaging protectionism' in the face of the global health crisis, with Mr Raab insisting international 'teamwork' is the way forward. 

Mr Raab said that he, the Prime Minister and Trade Secretary Liz Truss have been calling on other world leaders to keep international trade routes open. 

Writing for the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Raab said: 'The Prime Minister, Trade Secretary and I are pressing the G7 and G20 groups of major economies to keep trade routes open – and avoid compounding the harm of Covid-19 with damaging protectionism. Teamwork is essential to beating coronavirus. 

'The Prime Minister is determined to unite the country behind the national mission at home, and bring countries together abroad.'