High Court Orders £122m Damages from Baroness Mone-Linked Firm for Covid Contract Breach

High Court Rules Baroness Mone-Linked Company Breached £122m Covid Contract A High Court judge has ordered PPE Medpro, a company linked to peer Baroness Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman, to pay £122 million in damages for breaching a government contract for the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Covid pandemic. The ruling, handed down on [date], follows a lawsuit filed by the Department of Health and Social Care against PPE Medpro over claims that the medical gowns it supplied did not comply with relevant healthcare standards. The court found that PPE Medpro failed to prove whether or not its surgical gowns, intended for use by NHS workers, had undergone a validated sterilisation process. The contract in question was awarded to PPE Medpro in May 2020, as the government scrambled to secure supplies of PPE during the pandemic. The company's win was part of a larger effort to address shortages of protective gear for healthcare workers. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock welcomed the ruling, saying it was "great news" that justice had been served. "This decision sends a strong message about the importance of accountability and transparency in government contracting," he added. Baroness Mone, however, described the ruling as "shocking". Her husband, Doug Barrowman, has not commented publicly on the matter. The breach of contract has significant implications for PPE Medpro's financial stability. The company's assets are estimated to be valued at around £10 million, leaving it with a substantial shortfall to pay the £122 million damages award. Market analysts have expressed concerns about the impact of this ruling on the UK's PPE market. "This decision highlights the need for greater scrutiny and oversight in government contracting," said one analyst. "It also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of companies involved in high-stakes contracts." The Department of Health and Social Care has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. In a statement, PPE Medpro's lawyers expressed disappointment with the ruling but acknowledged the court's decision. The company is expected to appeal the judgment. As the UK continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, this ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in government contracting. *Reporting by Bbc.*