British politician Wes Streeting has strongly criticized Baroness Mone for the need to take legal action to recover millions owed to the public due to faulty PPE. The Health Secretary has intensified the pressure on the disgraced peer, urging her to repay the substantial sum owed. Streeting hinted at undisclosed strategic efforts to retrieve the money owed by PPE Medpro, keeping the specifics confidential to prevent Baroness Mone’s legal team from gaining an advantage.
During an LBC call, Streeting affirmed the pursuit of the outstanding funds, emphasizing the necessity for Baroness Mone to fulfill her obligation without legal intervention. He expressed disappointment over the situation, condemning any exploitation of taxpayer funds as unacceptable. PPE Medpro, overseen 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 pandemic.
Recent reports indicate that PPE Medpro has entered administration, owing a substantial £39 million to the tax authorities. Additionally, the company faces a separate claim of £148 million in damages, costs, and interest to the DHSC for providing non-sterile gowns. Baroness Mone and Mr. Barrowman, residing offshore in the Isle of Man, are alleged to have profited £65 million from PPE deals totaling £202 million secured through government lobbying efforts.
The ongoing investigation by the National Crime Agency includes scrutiny of the couple and their company. Despite these allegations, Baroness Mone and Mr. Barrowman deny any wrongdoing. Grosvenor Law, representing Baroness Mone, has criticized Streeting, the Prime Minister, and the Chancellor for prejudicing the criminal investigation through public statements. The legal team asserts their clients’ innocence and expresses confidence in the truth prevailing.
For updates on this story, follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky. Join our Politics WhatsApp group for breaking news and exclusive content. Sign up for the Mirror’s Politics newsletter to receive the latest updates directly to your inbox. Watch the new YouTube series ‘Party Games’ featuring MPs hosted by Sophie Huskisson.