Context
The UK did not initially join four previous EU joint procurements due to a communication issue. However, it will participate in the current scheme soon launching.
Question
For what reasons has the Government not joined EU procurement schemes to help tackle covid-19? On the day that the UK overtakes Italy as the country with the worst death toll in Europe, can the Minister provide reassurance that decisions going forward are driven entirely by public interest and not influenced by anti-European sentiment?
Answer from Edward Argar (Minister for Digital and Culture)
I gently say to the right hon. Gentleman that there is no suggestion of any decision having been influenced in the way he suggests; indeed, the permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office clarified this was not a political decision. We remain open to participating in future schemes on the basis of public health requirements and on a case-by-case basis.
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