Key facts
- The UK government wasted approximately £10 billion on PPE during the pandemic.
- An inquiry chaired by Baroness Hallett criticized a "VIP lane" that prioritized politically connected companies.
- The inquiry found the UK's initial PPE stockpile was inadequate, leaving healthcare staff vulnerable.
- Nearly two-thirds of the £14.9 billion spent on PPE was wasted.
- Recommendations include overhauling emergency procurement and developing a domestic industry strategy for healthcare equipment.
An official inquiry into the UK's pandemic response has concluded that the government, under Boris Johnson, wasted "vast" sums of public money on personal protective equipment (PPE) due to flawed procurement processes. The inquiry chair, Baroness Hallett, specifically criticized the "high priority lane," or "VIP lane," which gave preferential treatment to companies with political connections to the Conservative party.
Hallett stated that this "misguided attempt" to prioritize credible offers "embedded unfairness" and undermined public trust at a critical time. The inquiry found that out of approximately £14.9 billion spent on PPE, nearly two-thirds, or almost £10 billion, was wasted. The nation's stockpile of PPE was also found to be inadequate at the start of the pandemic, leaving healthcare workers vulnerable.
While the inquiry did not identify cronyism or corruption on the part of ministers and officials in final contracting decisions, Hallett emphasized that the "VIP lane" should not have been established and must not be repeated. The report noted that findings related to PPE Medpro, a company linked to Baroness Michelle Mone and Doug Barrowman, are not yet published due to an ongoing National Crime Agency investigation.
Hallett's report includes recommendations aimed at preventing similar waste and ensuring fairness in future emergency procurement, including investing in British manufacturing, improving stockpile management, and enhancing transparency and accountability.