Covid bereaved families are calling for Michelle Mone to lose her OBE due to a scandal-ridden company associated with her failing to repay millions for defective PPE. A group representing 7,000 families has labeled it a “disgrace” that the Scottish lingerie magnate still possesses the honor and has appealed to the government for action. In a letter to the Honours Forfeiture Committee, they highlighted that some of their loved ones perished due to the lack of adequate PPE.
The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group has urged the committee to review the award of Baroness Mone’s OBE, which she received in 2010 for her contributions to the lingerie sector. A spokesperson for the group expressed dismay, stating, “Our family members perished without access to proper PPE. It is unacceptable for someone linked to this controversy to retain an OBE.”
Additionally, over 280,000 individuals have signed a petition initiated by the 38 Degrees organization, demanding Baroness Mone’s expulsion from the House of Lords. Despite being appointed as a Tory peer by David Cameron, Baroness Mone opted for a leave of absence in 2022, relinquishing her party affiliation.
The controversy stems from PPE Medpro, a consortium led by Baroness Mone’s husband Doug Barrowman, failing to meet a deadline to repay £122 million following a breach of a Covid contract. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) sued the firm for delivering 25 million substandard gowns during the pandemic.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has pledged to vigorously pursue PPE Medpro for the outstanding amount, emphasizing the firm’s failure to deliver on their obligations. The consortium’s spokesperson has expressed readiness to engage in discussions with the government to resolve the issue.
Efforts to reach Baroness Mone for comment have been made.