Coronavirus: MLAs warn against harming UK-wide PPE procurement

Warnings have been issued that nothing should be allowed to harm the UK-wide united front when it comes to buying personal protective equipment (PPE).
By Adam Kula
Published 13th Apr 2020, 07:00 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2020, 10:06 BST
Health minister Robin Swann inspecting a large shipment of PPE last Monday, which was brought into NI via Liverpool from the central governmentHealth minister Robin Swann inspecting a large shipment of PPE last Monday, which was brought into NI via Liverpool from the central government
Health minister Robin Swann inspecting a large shipment of PPE last Monday, which was brought into NI via Liverpool from the central government

Both DUP MLA and ex-health minister Jim Wells and TUV leader Jim Allister have stressed the importance of maintaining what is known as the “four-nation” approach to PPE, after reports on Friday that the Province’s government may be about to embark on a solo run to buy safety gear from China.

The Nolan Show broke the news that a £170m order for PPE was being sought by the Executive from a Chinese firm.

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The report – based in large part on an internal Department of Health document – also said £60m had been set aside as a deposit, and that the deal could be sealed tomorrow.

However the Nolan Show quoted serious concerns raised by a top civil servant that the quality of the merchandise may be shoddy, citing a recent delivery from China to Dublin in which about 35% of the PPE proved worthless.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Health said the Westminster government (which last week shipped large quantities of PPE into Northern Ireland as part of a co-ordinated “four nations” approach) had been “apprised” of the proposed £170m deal, and “communications are ongoing”.

It did not say that London had approved the move.

Speaking to the News Letter, Jim Wells said he would back any move to supplement London’s PPE supplies for Northern Ireland, but if – and only if – it does not interfere with the centralised efforts of the UK government.

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“It shouldn’t go ahead if it undermines the joint approach through London,” he said. “It should only go ahead if it complements it, and is fully in line and has their consent.

“London has delivered an enormous amount of PPE for Northern Ireland. We can’t do anything that undermines that central provision – that’s crucial. We’re dependent on the central purchasing power of Whitehall.”

Jim Allister said: “To date Northern Ireland’s experience with China generates concern. Conor Murphy’s phantom order was a disaster. From across the world reports question the suitability of some of its product, with a highly placed Health official in Stormont warning of 35% quality failure.

“Hence, my concern about Stormont’s planned upfront payment of £60m (with another £110 m to follow) to China for unseen PPE... We have a proven UK four nations delivery route. Nothing should be done to jeopardise it.”

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Related topics:Jim WellsPPEMLAsNorthern IrelandJim AllisterLondonChinaProvince