The ongoing Covid inquiry has been a crucial process in understanding the government’s response to the pandemic and the decisions made during this unprecedented time. However, the recent news of evidence on Michelle Mone-linked PPE Medpro being heard behind closed doors has raised concerns about the transparency of the inquiry and the scrutiny of the VIP lane.
The decision to hold the hearing behind closed doors was prompted by the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) ongoing investigation into the procurement of PPE by the government. This move has sparked debates about the impact it will have on the public’s ability to scrutinize the VIP lane, which was set up to fast-track contracts for PPE suppliers with political connections.
The NCA’s investigation into PPE Medpro, a company linked to entrepreneur Michelle Mone, has been ongoing for months. The company was awarded a contract worth £122 million to supply PPE to the NHS, despite having no prior experience in the healthcare sector. This raised questions about the government’s decision-making process and the use of the VIP lane.
The decision to hear evidence on PPE Medpro behind closed doors has been met with mixed reactions. While some argue that it is necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation, others believe that it goes against the principles of transparency and accountability. The public has the right to know how their tax money is being spent, especially during a crisis like the pandemic.
The concern is that this move will limit the public’s ability to scrutinize the VIP lane and hold the government accountable for its actions. The VIP lane was set up to fast-track contracts for PPE suppliers with political connections, and the decision to hold evidence on PPE Medpro behind closed doors raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the process.
However, it is important to note that the NCA’s investigation is still ongoing, and holding the hearing in public could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation. The decision to hold it behind closed doors is not an indication of guilt, but rather a necessary step to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
Furthermore, the Covid inquiry is not the only platform for scrutiny of the VIP lane. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has also been conducting its own inquiry into the government’s procurement of PPE. The PAC has the power to call witnesses and demand evidence, providing another avenue for the public to hold the government accountable.
It is also worth noting that the decision to hold the hearing behind closed doors is not unprecedented. In fact, it is a common practice in ongoing investigations to protect the integrity of the process. The NCA has a duty to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and holding the hearing in public could compromise this.
In conclusion, while the decision to hold evidence on PPE Medpro behind closed doors may raise concerns about transparency and accountability, it is a necessary step to ensure a fair and thorough investigation. The public can still hold the government accountable through other avenues, such as the PAC inquiry. It is important to trust the process and allow the NCA to conduct its investigation without interference. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the government’s procurement of PPE was done in the best interest of the public and not influenced by political connections.