Baroness Mone hits out at UK Covid inquiry private evidence session

Chair imposed restriction to protect criminal proceedings

A Manx resident has criticised the UK Covid inquiry's decision to hold evidence relating to her company in private.

It was previously reported that sessions on PPE Medpro would be held in private.

Baroness Michelle Mone shared a statement from her and husband Doug Barrowman on social media describing the move as a "blatant betrayal of transparency and justice."

It goes on to says "The [UK] Government knew exactly who we were and what we were doing. There was no secrecy, no deception and nothing improper.

"Yet instead of holding themselves accountable for their monumental failures, these officials have chosen to scapegoat us, to divert attention away from their own catastrophic incompetence.

"We have endured years of relentless persecution. We have spent enormous sums fighting a politically motivated witch-hunt. The toll on our lives, our families and our reputations has been devastating."

The National Crime Agency has been investigating the company since May 2021 concerning suspected criminal offences in relation to the procurement of PPE.

Chair Baroness Heather Hallet says she is imposing the restriction as she is satisfied there is a risk of prejudice to criminal proceedings if sensitive evidence is heard in public.