Why it matters: The government is now appointing a covid corruption commissioner to investigate fraudulent PPE contracts from the pandemic period, but questions remain about why recovery of millions in public funds has taken so long.
The big picture: The Crown Prosecution Service is working to recover millions in public funds lost to covid-19 related fraud, according to Solicitor General Sarah Sackman.
Yes, but: Abbott challenged the previous government's response time during yesterday's House of Commons debate, highlighting the impact on local residents.
What they're saying: "Four and a half years on from the first lockdown, my constituents in Ipswich, many of whom sacrificed so much during the pandemic, will be wondering why it has taken this long, and a change of Government, to take the issue as seriously as it deserves," Abbott said.
Flashback: In 2021, the then Health Secretary told the Commons that where a contract is not delivered against, "we do not need to pay taxpayers' money," according to an Official Report from 23 February that year.
What's next: A new covid corruption commissioner will be appointed to review and assess all PPE contracts entered into during the pandemic, though no timeline has been specified.
