The public inquiry into the UK’s Covid response is set to begin a new phase on Monday, focusing on how billions of pounds were spent on medical equipment during the pandemic. Over the next four weeks, the hearings will investigate the procurement and distribution of PPE, test-and-trace systems, hospital supplies, and vaccines - an expenditure estimated at £48bn. Transparency International has reported that nearly 10% of contracts were awarded to firms with ties to the Conservative government in power at the time.
A key area of scrutiny will be the controversial "VIP lane," introduced in April 2020 to fast-track PPE procurement for suppliers recommended by ministers, MPs, and senior officials. Government records show that companies in this priority lane were ten times more likely to secure contracts than standard suppliers. The inquiry will examine the effectiveness of spending controls, the extent of fraud, and whether appropriate measures were taken to prevent financial mismanagement.
However, bereaved families have criticised the inquiry, claiming it is failing to properly scrutinise suppliers. They argue that without hearing directly from companies awarded contracts, there will be no full accountability for potential mistakes or misconduct. Lobby Akinnola, who lost his father to Covid, questioned how lessons could be learned if suppliers were not required to give evidence.
The inquiry has defended its decision, stating that its role is to assess the government’s handling of procurement rather than investigate individual companies. Meanwhile, sensitive evidence related to PPE Medpro - a supplier linked to Baroness Michelle Mone - will be examined in private to avoid interfering with ongoing legal proceedings. Later this year, the inquiry will move on to assess the pandemic’s impact on social care, test-and-trace, children, and the economy.
