Johnson government wasted ‘vast’ sums on PPE, Covid inquiry finds
Summary
An official inquiry found that Boris Johnson’s Conservative government wasted large amounts of public money buying personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry criticized a special “VIP lane” that gave priority to companies with political links, causing unfair treatment and public distrust.Key Facts
- The UK government spent about £14.9 billion on PPE during the pandemic.
- Nearly two-thirds of this spending, around £10 billion, was wasted.
- A “VIP lane” prioritized PPE contracts for firms connected to the Conservative Party.
- PPE Medpro, linked to a Conservative peer, received £203 million in contracts after political contact.
- The inquiry found no proof of corruption or cronyism by ministers in final contract decisions.
- The government’s PPE stockpile was inadequate at the pandemic’s start.
- Healthcare workers lacked sufficient protection against COVID-19.
- The inquiry stated the VIP lane was unfair and should not be used again.
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