Wes Streeting has condemned Baroness Mone for the need to be taken to court to repay millions owed to the public for faulty PPE. The Health Secretary has intensified pressure on the disgraced Baroness, reiterating the demand for her to settle the multi-million pound debt. He suggested strategic actions being taken behind the scenes to recover the funds owed by PPE Medpro, details of which are being kept confidential to prevent Baroness Mone’s legal team from gaining an advantage.
During a call on LBC, Mr. Streeting affirmed their pursuit of the owed money but refrained from disclosing specific tactics to avoid alerting Baroness Mone’s legal team. He emphasized the unacceptable nature of defrauding taxpayers and urged Baroness Mone, a member of the House of Lords, to fulfill her obligation by repaying the amount without the need for legal intervention.
PPE Medpro, led by Baroness Mone’s husband Doug Barrowman, faced legal action from the Department of Health and Social Care for providing 25 million defective gowns during the pandemic. The Mirror recently reported that the company has entered administration, owing £39 million to the tax authorities, on top of facing £148 million in damages, costs, and interest due to a High Court ruling on non-sterile gowns.
Baroness Mone, renowned for establishing lingerie brand Ultimo, along with Mr. Barrowman, residing in the Isle of Man, allegedly profited £65 million from a total of £202 million in PPE contracts secured after lobbying the government. The administration of the firm coincided with a substantial court judgment, revealing a potential £190 million debt to the taxpayer, as disclosed in new documentation.
Additionally, the couple and their company are under investigation by the National Crime Agency, although they have denied any misconduct. Grosvenor Law, representing Baroness Mone, criticized political figures for prejudicing a criminal investigation and making inaccurate remarks. They maintained their clients’ innocence, asserting confidence in the truth prevailing eventually.
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