The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has officially rejected the last-minute bid from Baroness Michelle Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman to become core participants in the investigation surrounding the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 pandemic. This decision, which occurred on February 27, 2025, came directly after the inquiry had announced its intention to hear evidence involving the couple’s dealings with PPE supplies privately, seemingly triggering their urgent application.
The inquiry, chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett, stated unequivocally during its proceedings, "I do not accept applicants have a direct or significant role in the matters to be investigated by the inquiry." This comment underscored the inquiry’s intent to focus primarily on the government’s handling of procurement, rather than individual suppliers like PPE Medpro, which was founded and led by Barrowman. Hallett insisted their late application was not only out of time but also did not substantively impact the investigation's core issues.
Mone and Barrowman's involvement with PPE Medpro raised eyebrows after the company secured government contracts worth over £200 million, bolstered by Mone’s endorsement to ministers. The inquiry, which has now launched four weeks of public hearings examining the procurement of £15 billion worth of PPE and medical equipment, has drawn attention to the controversial ‘VIP lane’ used to expedite contracts with select suppliers. New research highlighted during the inquiry revealed almost one-third of PPE contracts were allocated through this expedited process. Out of 430 offers made via the VIP lane, 115 were successful, indicating firms within this lane were 17 times more likely to be awarded contracts than those outside it.
Critics, namely bereaved families and anti-corruption advocacy groups, have been vocal about the inquiry's strategy. Naomi Fulop from the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK expressed dismay, stating, "The inquiry’s inexplicable decision to protect these corporations from public scrutiny smacks of potential whitewash and makes achieving real justice for the Covid-19 bereaved families less likely." Such sentiments echo concerns about transparency and accountability within the procurement process.
Despite these criticisms, Baroness Hallett maintains the inquiry’s focus will not shift away from exploring governmental protocols and practices of procurement. According to her, "The inquiry does not need evidence from individual companies about specific orders of PPE to investigate this issue thoroughly." The emphasis is on assessing the broader systemic failures rather than attributing blame to individual suppliers.
Engagement with the inquiry has prompted heated discussions about the means and methods by which PPE was procured. Importantly, it has raised questions about the cost-effectiveness and ethical integrity of contracts awarded during the pandemic. PPE procured via the VIP lane has been observed to be priced approximately 80% higher than those from more traditional channels, with reports indicating around half of such supplies were deemed unfit for use.
Baroness Mone and Mr. Barrowman had asserted their significant involvement, expressing fears they could face "explicit and significant criticism" as part of the proceedings. Despite their denial of any wrongdoing, the nature of their application and timing has been perceived as dubious by many observers. Their plea came significantly past the deadline of November 17, 2023, raising questions about their motives and the sincerity of their concerns.
The inquiry has drawn some rebuttal as Baroness Hallett's refusal to summon representatives of PPE suppliers to testify directly has been criticized as failing to address the complete picture of the procurement saga. While Hallett insists this approach permits the inquiry to conduct its work without prejudice, many remain unconvinced, feeling the absence of supplier testimony skews the comprehensive narrative surrounding PPE procurement.
Current investigations by the National Crime Agency (NCA) concerning PPE Medpro have been underway since May 2021, signaling the complexity embedded within the contractual processes. No criminal charges have yet surfaced from these inquiries, adding to the tension surrounding the narrative of accountability and oversight.
With public hearings now activated, significant attention is directed toward how the inquiry will navigate the fragile state of public trust and governmental integrity. The wider sentiment across the UK is one of anticipation for transparency and justice, aligning voices demanding more rigorous scrutiny of procurement practices during the pandemic.
The rejection of Mone and Barrowman’s application serves as another chapter within this larger inquiry, drawing lines between corporate accountability and governmental oversight. Citizens are left hoping the inquiry can deliver results and insights necessary to rectify past failures, all the meanwhile demanding the integrity of public funds is maintained.