Wes Streeting has condemned Baroness Mone for the need to enforce payment of millions owed to taxpayers due to faulty PPE, rather than her willingly returning the funds.
The Health Secretary intensified pressure on the disgraced peer, reiterating the demand for repayment of the substantial bill. Streeting hinted at undisclosed strategies to recover the owed money from PPE Medpro, withholding details to prevent Baroness Mone’s legal team from gaining an advantage.
Responding to a query on LBC about the outstanding sum, Streeting affirmed ongoing efforts to recover the funds cautiously, emphasizing the inappropriateness of defrauding taxpayers. He stressed that Baroness Mone, as a member of the House of Lords, should act responsibly and repay the debt without the need for legal action.
PPE Medpro, led by Baroness Mone’s husband Doug Barrowman, faced legal action from the Department of Health and Social Care for supplying 25 million defective gowns during the health crisis. Reports revealed the company’s administration status, with a significant £39 million debt to the tax authorities.
In addition to the £39 million owed, a further £148 million in damages, costs, and interest is outstanding to the DHSC following a court ruling on non-sterile gowns. Baroness Mone, recognized for founding Ultimo lingerie, and Mr. Barrowman, residing in the Isle of Man, reportedly profited from PPE deals secured through governmental influence.
Amid a National Crime Agency investigation, the couple and their company have denied any wrongdoing. Grosvenor Law, representing Baroness Mone, criticized Streeting, the Prime Minister, and the Chancellor for allegedly prejudicing the ongoing criminal inquiry.
The legal team asserted their clients’ innocence and expressed confidence in revealing the truth while highlighting perceived flaws in the investigation. They emphasized that the NCA inquiry has stalled and maintained that their clients have no further comments on the matter.
