Context
More than £1.7 billion of taxpayers' money has been spent on outsourcing related to coronavirus, and normal procurement rules have not applied.
Question
Since the start of the covid crisis, over £1.7 billion of taxpayers' funds have been used by this Government for outsourcing directly linked to the pandemic. With typical competitive bidding processes waived, major Tory party donors and prominent government members hold significant stakes in or connections with many contracting firms. Will the Minister assure full transparency regarding all negotiations concerning these companies?
Answer from Penny Mordaunt (The Secretary of State for Defence)
Procurement rules have not been suspended. The quality and appropriateness of the offers made by companies helping in this response have been verified through rigorous checks, with no breaches identified regarding Ministers or other colleagues. I urge caution against making unfounded allegations.
Not addressed: No commitment to full transparency on negotiations was given.
How: Urging Caution About Making Unfounded Allegations
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