Debates between Martin Docherty-Hughes and Edward Argar during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Covid-19: Government’s Publication of Contracts

Debate between Martin Docherty-Hughes and Edward Argar
Tuesday 9th March 2021

(3 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Edward Argar Portrait Edward Argar
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who alludes to the fact that our constituents and the wider public want to see all of us in this House and in Government doing everything we can to ensure, as in the context of last year’s procurement of PPE at the height of the pandemic, that the frontline gets what it needs to keep it safe. Transparency is of course hugely important, but this is not an either/or, and the focus had to be on getting that PPE to frontline. My hon. Friend’s point is absolutely right.

Martin Docherty-Hughes Portrait Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Dunbartonshire) (SNP) [V]
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I believe in restorative justice, which requires the offender—that is the Government—to accept responsibility for the harm it has caused to the principles of contractual openness and transparency. Can the Minister therefore advise the House whether the Government—the offender in this case—accept responsibility for the judgment handed down by a court of law?

Edward Argar Portrait Edward Argar
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I have been clear, both today and, indeed, when I came to the House two weeks ago, that the Government fully accept and respect the judgment of the court.