Wes Streeting has condemned Baroness Mone for having to be compelled through legal action to repay millions owed to taxpayers due to faulty PPE.
The Health Secretary intensified the pressure on the disgraced peer by reiterating his demand for her to settle the substantial bill.
Streeting hinted at undisclosed strategies in place to recover the owed funds from PPE Medpro, keeping the specifics confidential to prevent Baroness Mone’s legal team from gaining an advantage.
During an LBC call, Mr. Streeting affirmed their pursuit of the funds, careful not to disclose too much to avoid giving insights to Baroness Mone’s legal team. He emphasized the need for accountability and urged Baroness Mone, a member of the House of Lords, to take responsibility and reimburse the money without legal coercion.
PPE Medpro, led by Baroness Mone’s husband Doug Barrowman, faced a legal battle with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for supplying 25 million defective gowns during the pandemic.
Recent reports revealed that the company has entered administration, owing £39 million to the tax authorities, in addition to £148 million in damages, costs, and interest following a High Court ruling against them for providing non-sterile gowns.
Baroness Mone, renowned for founding Ultimo lingerie, along with Mr. Barrowman, who reside in the Isle of Man, reportedly profited £65 million from a total of £202 million in PPE contracts the company secured following her lobbying efforts.
The company’s administration coincided with a damning court decision, indicating potential debts of up to £190 million to the taxpayer, as detailed in recent paperwork.
Furthermore, an investigation by the National Crime Agency is ongoing regarding the couple and the company, although they have denied any misconduct.
Baroness Mone’s legal representatives at Grosvenor Law criticized Mr. Streeting, the Prime Minister, and the Chancellor for allegedly prejudicing a live criminal investigation with their remarks, asserting that their clients are innocent and confident that the truth will prevail.