Future Retirement Success
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks

Future Retirement Success

Business

Covid inquiry to hear Michelle Mone – linked PPE Medpro evidence in closed session as NCA probe continues

by February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025
Covid inquiry to hear Michelle Mone – linked PPE Medpro evidence in closed session as NCA probe continues

The Covid inquiry will hold private hearings to examine details about the government’s awarding of multimillion-pound PPE contracts to PPE Medpro, a company with links to the Conservative peer Michelle Mone.

Dame Heather Hallett, the inquiry chair, ruled that making the evidence public could jeopardise an ongoing National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

The NCA has been looking into potential criminal offences in the handling of the two PPE Medpro contracts, worth a combined £203 million, since May 2021. The agency argued that releasing certain witness statements and documents in open session risked prejudicing any possible future jury if charges are brought.

In her ruling, Hallett said she had reviewed “sensitive” material and determined there was “a risk of harm or damage to the possible criminal proceedings” if all evidence were disclosed. However, she rejected the NCA’s bid to exclude PPE Medpro entirely from the inquiry, deciding instead that sessions relating to the company will be heard behind closed doors, with up to five journalists in attendance. Any transcripts would remain confidential until the end of potential criminal proceedings.

PPE Medpro’s rapid entrance into a government “VIP lane”—a fast-track system for suppliers with political connections—has attracted intense scrutiny. In March 2022, it emerged that Mone had first approached Cabinet Office ministers Michael Gove and Theodore Agnew, who were overseeing procurement at the time. Documents revealed that Doug Barrowman, Mone’s husband, was paid at least £65 million from PPE Medpro’s profits, with £29 million reportedly transferred into an offshore trust set up for the benefit of Mone and her children.

Although Mone and Barrowman had initially denied any links to the company, they admitted publicly in December 2023 that they had misled the media about their involvement. Both continue to deny any criminal wrongdoing.

The Covid inquiry will focus on how public officials handled vital PPE procurement during the height of the pandemic. Families of Covid victims, who have been seeking a thorough examination of the VIP lane and the role played by private firms, have criticised the decision to hold these Medpro hearings in private. They argue that transparency is paramount, especially given prior revelations about widespread delays and potential inefficiencies in the awarding of contracts.

Ministers have acknowledged that government departments were slow to disclose procurement documents, blaming changes in staff and evolving record-keeping practices. Public sessions on government procurement, due to begin on 3 March, are still expected to shed some light on broader controversies surrounding pandemic-era sourcing of protective equipment.

Read more:
Covid inquiry to hear Michelle Mone – linked PPE Medpro evidence in closed session as NCA probe continues

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
UK house prices have risen three times faster than flats since 2020
next post
Dem support likely to push Trump’s pro-union labor pick past key vote

You may also like

Bank of England set to examine risks posed...

December 7, 2023

Open Plan Offices Pose Challenges for ADHD Workers

April 2, 2024

The Secret to Staying Energized for Busy Business...

January 29, 2025

How to find your dream home in Dubai

May 17, 2023

Starmer’s vision for Britain: key pledges and missing...

July 17, 2024

July could be ‘lull before the storm’ for...

August 9, 2022

Fevertree sales fizz in US with 9% boost,...

March 26, 2025

Bank of England’s top economist offers two routes...

September 1, 2023

VC firm offers childcare help for ‘mum entrepreneurs’

October 3, 2023

London offices lose fifth of their value in...

September 26, 2023

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free

    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Trump ally stands firm against ‘big, beautiful bill’ despite pressure: ‘It’ll completely backfire’

      June 8, 2025
    • Rubio condemns assassination attempt on Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe

      June 8, 2025
    • Obama WH physician says Biden doc should have performed cognitive test

      June 8, 2025
    • Trump warns of ‘serious consequences’ if Elon Musk funds Democrats

      June 7, 2025
    • Musk jokes about reconsidering stance on Big Beautiful Bill after Schiff’s praise

      June 7, 2025
    • Musk deletes explosive posts about Trump and Epstein files

      June 7, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (8,152)
    • Investing (2,019)
    • Politics (15,571)
    • Stocks (3,136)
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: futureretirementsuccess.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 futureretirementsuccess.com | All Rights Reserved