Concerns over VIP lane for Covid testing contracts after ‘fast track’ email revealed

British civil servant’s email points to ‘triage’ system for companies bidding for contracts

Bids from politically connected firms to provide Covid-19 tests in Britain were designated as “fast track”, according to an email which suggests a VIP priority lane could have operated for tests as well as for personal protective equipment in the early stages of the pandemic.

An email sent by a senior civil servant last year said there was a dedicated email address for offers to supply PPE from people who had been recommended by a minister or senior official. It was later publicly confirmed that a “VIP lane” or “high priority route” existed for PPE offers. More attention was paid to those companies that were referred by ministers, MPs or officials.

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Coronavirus | The Guardian

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