UK COVID-19 Inquiry Probes Royal Offers to Help Secure PPE During Early Pandemic

Evidence reveals offers from Sarah, Duchess of York, and the Dubai Royal Family, highlighting gaps in guidance for officials managing high-profile assistance.

• Sarah, Duchess of York, and the Dubai Royal Family offered to help the UK government secure PPE in April 2020, during the early COVID-19 crisis.
• The Duchess of York contacted Lord Deighton with connections to PPE suppliers in China, while the Dubai Royal Family's offer was relayed through Michael Gove and Lord Agnew.
• Testimony revealed no specific training or guidance was provided to officials on handling offers from royalty or other high-profile individuals during the pandemic.
• Senior government officials handled these offers sensitively, according to evidence presented during the UK COVID-19 Inquiry's fifth module on procurement.
• The inquiry is also investigating the use of a 'high-priority lane' for expedited contracts and ongoing controversies, including the PPE Medpro case.

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