politics explained

A long line of British coronavirus failures

A shipment of PPE gowns that aren’t fit for purpose is indicative of the government’s approach to this crisis, says Sean O'Grady

Thursday 07 May 2020 20:12 BST
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An RAF C17 plane at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire unloading PPE from Turkey, according to a government source
An RAF C17 plane at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire unloading PPE from Turkey, according to a government source

Remember that massive consignment of personal protective equipment – gowns specifically – for the NHS, being flown in from Turkey? They’re useless.

It is a fitting, if unhelpful, end to what has become a rather emblematic farce. At the height of the PPE crisis a few weeks ago, ministers proudly announced an impressively dramatic mercy flight by the RAF, bringing this crucial kit all the way across Europe to frontline staff. Not since Priti Patel’s flight back from Nairobi to be sacked by Theresa May – when the whole nation tracked her progress live – has an airborne shipment been so eagerly awaited.

On the flight of the gowns from Turkey there was a delay, and another announcement. Then another delay. There were rumours that it had arrived, but been delayed again. Eventually it turned up – 400,000 gowns for the wards. Turns out they were “not up to the right standard”.

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