The government has issued civil legal proceedings against a firm at the centre of a row over the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:"We can confirm that we have commenced legal proceedings in the High Court against PPE Medpro Limited for breach of contract regarding gowns delivered under a contract dated 26 June 2020.PPE Medpro said the case over the supply of sterile gowns would be"rigorously defended" and accused the DHSC of a"cynical attempt to recover money from suppliers" who acted in good faith.
It said in a statement:"PPE Medpro will demonstrate to the courts that we supplied our gowns to the correct specification, on time and at a highly competitive price. "The case will also show the utter incompetence of DHSC to correctly procure and specify PPE during the emergency procurement period. This will be the real legacy of the court case and it will be played out in the public arena for all to see."
The company has been at the centre of a Westminster controversy, with Tory peer Baroness Michelle Mone taking a leave of absence from the Lords following allegations linking her to it. Reports - denied by Lady Mone - have suggested the peer may have profited from the firm winning contracts worth more than £200m to supply equipment after she recommended it to ministers in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tourist family describe running down streets in Peru to stay safe amid anti-government protestsHannah and Garrett Spray, from Vancouver, Canada, have been stuck in their hostel in Cusco with their daughter for the past five days.
Read more »
Pay deal in Wales ‘shows Westminster Government is odd one out in rail dispute’Transport for Wales said it has reached agreement with four rail unions worth 4.5% over nine months.
Read more »
Unions say Army 'no substitute' for striking staff as Government enlists troops to plug gapsUnions say Army 'no substitute' for striking staff as Government enlists troops to plug gaps 🔴 1,200 members of the armed forces will be sent in to mitigate disruption in the health service and Border Force as staff walk out over the festive period
Read more »
Minister says government is 'resolute' on nurses pay with threat of more strikesChancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden claimed the nurses' demands for a 19 per cent pay rise are 'simply not affordable'
Read more »
UK government digs in as industrial action escalates\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Read more »