An anti-corruption charity has raised serious concerns about £15.3 billion worth of Covid-19 contracts awarded by the Conservative government, revealing numerous potential red flags. Transparency International UK found that 135 high-risk contracts had at least three indicators of corruption, including contracts going to firms with political connections and those funneled through a “VIP lane” deemed unlawful by the High Court. They also highlighted that nearly two-thirds of high-value contracts, totaling £30.7 billion, were awarded without competition. The charity is calling for investigations into these contracts and criticizes the lack of transparency and safeguards during the pandemic.
What measures do you think should be implemented to ensure transparency and accountability in government procurement processes, especially during crises?