In a recent session of the Covid inquiry, former minister Lord Agnew, who oversaw procurement during the pandemic, defended the implementation of the high-priority lane for the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Agnew acknowledged that while "one or two crooks" might have been awarded contracts, he maintained that the VIP lane was essential to address the urgent shortages of PPE at the time.

Speaking robustly before the inquiry, Agnew dismissed claims that the VIP lane was devised to benefit individuals connected to political figures as unfounded.

He stated that it was inaccurate to suggest that there was a "heinous plan to enrich a few" and emphasized the critical circumstances that guided procurement decisions during the pandemic.

"We were in the most terrible position," he asserted, pointing to the necessity of engaging with credible suppliers to secure essential supplies quickly.

During the session, Agnew referenced Conservative peer Michelle Mone, who has been linked to a multi-million pound contract obtained through the VIP lane, as a part of the inquiry’s ongoing investigation.

He admitted to mistakes occurring within the procurement process but reaffirmed the credibility of many suppliers who were able to deliver goods.

In response to questions from Anna Morris KC, counsel for the Covid bereaved families, Agnew emphasized that the inquiry's focus on the VIP lane seemed misplaced.

Lady Hallett, the chair of the inquiry, countered by stating that scrutinizing the VIP lane was within the inquiry's mandate and important for addressing public concerns.

Agnew characterized himself as the "godparent" of the VIP lane and drew parallels with historical figures who played pivotal roles during crises, suggesting that the urgency of the situation necessitated unconventional approaches.

He referenced Lord Beaverbrook, an influential figure during World War II, to illustrate that extraordinary measures can produce critical outcomes in times of need.

Furthermore, Agnew addressed his decision-making process regarding James Dyson’s firm, which was involved in ventilator supply during the early stages of the pandemic.

Despite recommendations to exclude Dyson's company from government procurement schemes, Agnew expressed confidence in Dyson's commitment to research and development, highlighting the substantial investment Dyson made personally in the project.

Agnew described his subsequent decision to inform Dyson that his ventilator design would not be selected as one of the most challenging moments of his career, illustrating the emotional weight of the decisions faced during pandemic procurement efforts.

The inquiry continues to examine various aspects of pandemic-related procurement, with the fifth module focusing specifically on the high-priority lane and its implications for public health and government accountability.