UK Government Secures £122M Victory Against Firm Linked to Michelle Mone Over Faulty PPE
The UK government has secured a significant legal victory against PPE Medpro, a firm associated with Conservative peer Michelle Mone. This case revolved around a £122 million contract for personal protective equipment (PPE) that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) claimed did not meet safety standards during the Covid pandemic.
Details of the Legal Claim
The DHSC filed a lawsuit against PPE Medpro in December 2022. The lawsuit argued that the company failed to ensure that 25 million surgical gowns, supplied in June 2020, were sterile as required by law. These gowns were delivered during a crucial period when the UK was struggling to secure adequate PPE amid the pandemic.
Inspection Findings
The gowns, which were manufactured in China, were inspected in September 2020 and subsequently rejected for use within the NHS. The gowns bore a CE mark, suggesting compliance with European standards. However, no recognized quality assurance organization had verified their safety or sterility, leading to significant concerns about their validity.
- Contract Value: £122 million
- Number of Gowns: 25 million
- Inspection Date: September 2020
Paul Stanley KC, representing the DHSC, highlighted the potential risks associated with the gowns, noting that they could jeopardize patient safety. This strong assertion underscored the DHSC’s position as they sought reimbursement for the funds spent on the defective PPE.
PPE Medpro’s Defense
The company, whose ultimate ownership is linked to Barrowman, Mone’s husband, defended itself vigorously. Charles Samek KC, representing PPE Medpro, argued that the gowns were manufactured according to all prescribed processes known to the DHSC when the contract was signed. He maintained that the DHSC had full knowledge of the company’s procedures before awarding the contract.
Judicial Outcome
After a five-week trial held at the Rolls Building in London, Mrs. Justice Cockerill ruled in favor of the DHSC. The court mandated PPE Medpro to repay the entire £122 million plus interest and additional costs. This case is part of a broader context involving contracts awarded through a “VIP lane” established during Boris Johnson’s administration, which prioritized firms with political connections amidst the urgent need for PPE.
Context of the PPE Contracts
PPE Medpro received two major contracts during the pandemic, totaling £203 million, including one for the gowns and another worth £80.85 million for face masks. Mone had initially approached Michael Gove, the then Cabinet Office minister, in May 2020, leading to the expedited contract negotiations.
- Gowns Contract: £122 million
- Face Masks Contract: £80.85 million
- Initial Contact: May 2020
Despite previously denying their involvement, Mone and Barrowman confirmed their ties to PPE Medpro after the trial commenced. Reports in late 2023 revealed that Barrowman had profited significantly from the company, raising questions about financial dealings between the couple and their roles in the procurement process.
Ongoing Investigations
The high court’s ruling occurs amid an ongoing investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) regarding potential criminal activities linked to the procurement of these contracts. Mone and Barrowman have denied any wrongdoing. The government had previously sought to pause the high court proceedings until the NCA concluded its inquiry, citing the importance of legal coherence.
This landmark case underscores the complexities surrounding government procurement practices during an emergency, revealing significant lessons about transparency and accountability in public health responses.
