UK spent billions on PPE during Covid-19, much of it wasted

19 September 2025 , 21:41

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UK spent billions on PPE during Covid-19, much of it wasted

In the initial months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK was severely underprepared.

Doctors and nurses resorted to using trash bags instead of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Thus began a frantic effort to acquire more PPE.

To expedite the process, the government established a special procurement unit managed by the Department of Health.

To quickly handle offers, a high-priority ‘VIP lane’ was created by civil servants to process proposals coming from government ministers, MPs, or senior officials deemed most credible.

This VIP lane resulted in the approval of contracts worth billions of pounds.

Some companies involved had relevant experience, but others had never produced PPE or any safety equipment.

Meanwhile, experienced safety equipment suppliers attempted repeatedly to contact the government offering their services, only to be ignored.

A civil servant involved in procurement at the Department of Health felt they were purchasing kits at exorbitant prices, lacking sufficient negotiation, and failing to secure the best deals.

Speaking anonymously to ITV’s Exposure program, he said he was "disgusted by the amount of money these companies were making".

Government ministers claim they were not involved in contract decisions, only forwarding promising bids to civil servants, and that all PPE offers underwent the same checks.

Doctors also mentioned that some procured protective equipment was simply unfit for use.

One described face masks with ear loops that detached and gowns that "fell apart in your hands".

By the pandemic’s end, the government’s spending on PPE resulted in massive stockpiles, with ten billion pounds’ worth of unused equipment.

Storing it was costly, so much of it was ultimately incinerated.

The pandemic was a national crisis, placing the UK in intense global competition for resources needed to combat the disease.

Ministers in the Conservative government at the time consistently stated their main focus was saving lives and protecting the NHS.

But years later, questions persist about whether the spending was conducted properly—and there’s no doubt that a substantial amount was wasted.

Emma Davis

Deputy Editor