"More viable options for PPE contracts were obstructed by 'VIP lane', Court told."

The Govt's controversial 'VIP Lane' for PPE deals was "Obstructing progress of more viable "Opportunities" in the early stages of the pandemic, the High Court heard today.

The Department of Health and Social Care is facing a legal claim over the way £650 million worth of contracts to three companies were agreed, including for the supply of NHS masks and gowns.

Court papers reveal a private WhatsApp group of CEOs & a similar group for leading procurement executives were used to line up deals for PPE.

Offers that entered the "VIP Lane" - for firms with political connections - were responded to "Within the hour", internal emails reveal.

However a report on April 20, 2020 stated: "VIP escalation is obstructing progress of more viable opportunities for large/scalable manufacturers."

The details emerged today at the latest hearing of the Good Law Project’s challenge to Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Trade Minister @GregHands is said to have had "Involvement" in the contract award to Ayanda, a hedge fund with ties to the Conservative Party.

Article: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/ppe-pestfix-ayanda-matt-hancock-good-law-project-greg-hands-b932404.html