The ongoing Covid inquiry is making headlines again, this time focusing on two key areas: evidence related to a PPE firm linked to Michelle Mone, and allegations surrounding the procurement of Dyson ventilators.
Mone-Linked PPE Firm Evidence Heard in Private
The Covid inquiry has ruled that hearings concerning a PPE firm linked to Conservative peer Michelle Mone will be held in private. This decision comes as the National Crime Agency (NCA) continues its investigation into potential criminal offenses related to the procurement of multi-million pound PPE contracts awarded to PPE Medpro, the company in question. The NCA argued that public hearings could prejudice their investigation.
Baroness Mone and her husband had previously submitted a last-minute bid to become 'core participants' in the inquiry, a request that was ultimately rejected. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already controversial situation surrounding the PPE contracts awarded during the height of the pandemic.
The inquiry chair stated that while transparency is important, the need to protect the integrity of the NCA's investigation takes precedence. This means that the public will not have access to the detailed evidence presented regarding the PPE contracts, at least for the time being.
Dyson Ventilator Procurement Under Scrutiny
In a separate development, the Covid inquiry also heard evidence suggesting that a government minister proposed purchasing ventilators from Sir James Dyson to help the company market them internationally as being "used in UK hospitals." This revelation came to light during a four-week examination of pandemic procurement.
According to the inquiry, Lord Agnew, a Tory Treasury minister, allegedly sent a message to Gareth Rhys Williams, the government’s chief commercial officer, suggesting the strategic purchase of Dyson ventilators following a conversation between James Dyson and then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The suggestion was that the ventilators, even if not immediately needed, could be marketed as having been used in UK hospitals, thereby boosting Dyson's international sales.
“This is a shocking revelation,” said one political commentator. “It raises serious questions about the government’s priorities during the pandemic and whether commercial interests were placed above the needs of the NHS.”
The inquiry continues to delve into the details of pandemic procurement, promising further revelations in the weeks to come.
The focus now shifts to understanding the full extent of these alleged actions and their potential impact on public trust and the integrity of government decision-making. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be critical in uncovering the truth behind these controversial procurement decisions.