Number 10 didn't opt out of an EU push to source ventilators because of Brexit after all - but because they didn't get the email in time.
There was a 'mix up', which meant the government didn't get the email from the EU inviting the UK to join the scheme.
As a result, the government missed the deadline for taking part in the scheme.
This morning, Number 10 said the UK would not take part in the push to source more of the life-saving equipment because "we are no longer members of the EU".
Pressed if the decision was related to Brexit ideology, the spokesman said: "No, as I say, this is an area where we're making our own efforts."
In response, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was accused of putting "Brexit over breathing".
But later, a UK government spokesman said: "Owing to an initial communication problem, the UK did not receive an invitation in time to join in four joint procurements in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"As the Commission has confirmed, we are eligible to participate in joint procurements during the transition period, following our departure from the EU earlier this year.
“As those four initial procurement schemes had already gone out to tender we were unable to take part in these, but we will consider participating in future procurement schemes on the basis of public health requirements at the time."
They added: “We are working round the clock with industry, the NHS, social care providers and the army to ensure the supply of PPE over the coming weeks and months and will give our NHS and the social care sector everything they need to tackle this outbreak."
It's thought the UK could still take part in future rounds of the programme.
