The European Commission has published information about procurement of Personal protective equipment – masks, gloves, goggles, face-shields, and overalls – as well as medical ventilators and testing kits
which are said to be "vital for hospitals, healthcare professionals, patients, field workers and civil protection authorities." The voluntary Joint Procurement Agreement with Member States (and the United Kingdom and Norway) enables the joint purchase of such equipment and supplies.
On 21 April, the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee took evidence from Sir Simon McDonald (Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service - Foreign and Commonwealth Office) as part of its inquiry into the Coronavirus response.
The session conducted by video links may be viewed via Parliamentlive.tv
With regard to the procurement of equipment needed in the UK to deal with coronavirus (e.g. Personal Protective Equipment or PPE) the question from Mr Chris Bryant MP at time 15:49 is very pertinent. Mr Bryant asked why we did not participate in the EU procurement initiative. Sir Simon replied that we left the EU on 31 January. Mr Bryant responded by pointing out the UK was invited to take part and had "every right" to do so - it was not about leaving the EU. Sir Simon stated that it was a matter of fact that we did not take part. The committee chairman (Mr Tom Tugendhat MP) then intervened and asked what was the policy advice on the matter or was it a political decision. Sir Simon replied that it was a political decision. Ministers were briefed and the decision is known. Mr Bryant chose not to ask further questions on this matter.
At the Downing Street Coronavirus Briefing held in the late afternoon of 21 April the Secretary of State for Health (Mr Hancock) was asked by Laura Kuennsberg (BBC) about procurement - (see Youtube video at approx time 26.30). As part of her question, Ms Kuennsberg referred to what Sir Simon had told the committee. Mr Hancock replied that he had not seen the exchange in the Foeign Affairs Committee but he had spoken to the Foreign Secretary and "as far as I am aware there was no political decision not to participate." Mr Hancock added that an invitation to participate had been sent to the Department of Health and "we joined" but as far as he knew the scheme had not yet delivered anything.
In the evening of 21 April, Sir Simon issued this letter:
The letter raises further questions. For example, on 30 March 2020 it was reported that "British officials took part in four meetings where EU projects to bulk-buy medical kit were discussed – the earliest in January, according to official minutes that heap doubt on government claims of missing an email"- The Guardian 30 March. What then was the follow up, if any, to such meetings?
Further, the letter does not give details of the "initial communication problem." What was the nature of the problem, who was involved etc. The letter also says that "the UK" did not receive an invitation but what is meant here by "the UK" - e.g. Prime Minister's Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department of Health, UK Mission in Brussels etc.
An invitation was not received "in time" - but what were the timescales in question and could anything have been done to correct matters.
In this previous post 15 April the question of an inquiry into handling of the coronavirus pandemic was referred to. Inquires are set up by the government and governments are not usually too keen to have their own conduct examined. Also, inquiries suffer from long timescales and high costs though they can be an effective way at establishing facts. The post commented - "It may be that more limited and focussed inquiries aimed at improving the response to any future similar events would prove to be effective - e.g. an inquiry regarding provision of personal protective equipment etc."
EU 22 April 2020:
Read out of the College meeting 22 April 2020
The EU Commission confirms that the UK signed up to the Joint Procurement Agreement which is the legal basis on which the UK could participate in joint procurement. Because of Coronavirus the EU set up four joint procurement processes. Discussions took place in the Health Security Committee and the UK was aware of the processes and could have participated. The EU declined to comment about the reasons for non-participation by the UK.
Speculation:
The Daily Mail published an article stating that "fury from Dominic Raab" (First Secretary of State) "forced" Sir Simon into issuing the retraction letter. This remains to be confirmed.
Also, The Times 22 April
Clarification of other evidence to the committee:
The Guardian The Guardian 24 April reports that Sir Simon MacDonald issued clarification of information he gave to the committee regarding diplomatic immunities. His evidence on this topic came after the discussion of PPE.
Legal challenge over PPE Guidance:
The Telegraph 23 April reported that two doctors are launching legal action against the Government's guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Conversation - Could government face legal questions over the death of NHS workers during PPE shortages?
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