It is now widely accepted that the Conservative Government failed in their duty to fully protect those working on the front-line during the crucial early months of the pandemic. It is astounding that ministers allowed the national PPE stockpile to run down and then spent millions with an offshore finance company with no history of providing vital equipment for the NHS. The Labour Party will continue to hold the Government to account for the enormous amounts of public money that have been dished out, seemingly without any advertising or competitive tendering process. The Government must protect public funds and prevent further procurement failure.
Many health and care workers experienced inadequate protection, relied on community donations and even bought their own PPE from DIY shops. Ministers repeatedly assured the country that things were fine, yet lives of health workers were lost, the infection was spread in health settings while all that time masks bought by the Government could not be used for their intended purpose.
Nick Stephens said: “The case for an investigation into the mishandling of procurement is overwhelming. Concerns are widespread across Solihull and it is entirely appropriate for our two members of parliament to be expected to lobby their government to ensure a full investigation is instigated. I have written to them asking for them to take action (see below).