The Baffling Backstory Behind Michelle Mone's PPE Scandal

Who actually is Michelle Mone? Does Starmer need to be braver in how he respond to attacks from his opponents? How much power does Viktor Orbán have in the EU?
Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all this and more on today's episode of The Rest Is Politics.
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[@Shocking603]

When she said “ lying isn’t a crime!” That just about summed up the attitude of the wealthy! A moral vacuum

[@buzzukfiftythree]

It certainly is if you lie in a courtroom. It's called perjury. She may not have committed a crime but she is thoroughly untrustworthy. Her reputation is in tatters.

[@radman8321]

It can be if you gain from it. It's called fraud by misrepresentation.

[@ianmuir3640]

It is if your working class

[@breadbreaker500]

She’s not wealthy in origin and her behaviour shows it. Sounds like a chav that got caught shoplifting!

[@jemshadow123]

Its called fraud and yes you can go to jail.for it

[@richardblackmore348]

Yes we did manufacure PPE in the UK . These established companies that already supplied the NHS approached the governent to say they were ready and able to ramp up production but were ignored in favour of crooks like Mone. Instead they had to supply other, equally desperate, countries.

[@adrianvassallo5630]

Yes you are right there were companies making good proper gowns which the government ignored the companies sold them to America !!!!

[@gjohnint]

Also many small organisations with a proven record of supplying product to NHS to correct specification found thad because the NHS was flooded with this defective PPE, demand from NHS died and many small businesses went to the wall

[@jenniferholden9397]

Plus that PPE only has a 2 year shelf life, however they supplied the nhs with 5 years worth, and some was of such poor quality it had to be burned. Another thing that isn’t fit for purpose, like the Barroness, allegedly.

[@margaretchapman8499]

Really, Disgraceful

[@margaretchapman8499]

So what is the House of Lords filled with ummmmmm

[@sphinx1017]

Im so tired of privileged, wealthy, powerful people stuffing their own personal bank accounts full of taxpayer money whilst paying no tax themselves.

[@michaelgoodwin593]

Bend over. Nothing you can do about it. Well actually there is...

[@georgegently3026]

Get used to it ! Same as it ever was.

[@Selectivebadger]

Times will and are going to change! Maybe not in our lifetime.

[@stuartbritton4811]

​@@Selectivebadgerthat's up to you and millions more.

[@Anti-Peaceforcepolice]

​@@georgegently3026Enough is enough 😡

[@janiemason104]

We DID and do manufacture PPE in this country! The companies offered to prioritise GB stuff but they couldn't get anyone in the govt to take them up on it!! I heard a British factory owner on James OBrien raging about it.

[@grateberk6435]

Utterly sickening.

[@buzz1ebee]

I visited a few places making it, and some making machines to make PPE, and they couldn't get a foot in the door. Absolutely disgraceful.

[@tonyking2030]

The VIP lane was just a means of getting money from the public purse into Tory bank accounts. The Conservatives are greedy self serving criminals, nothing less & that’s a fact!

[@seanmcgarrigan3942]

The media prefers to forget the government dismissed uk manufacturing to produce PPE for the preferred friends and cronies, at the trough

[@kevinhopkins8355]

You needed to be in the circle of trust .. or untrusted if you like …

[@TheInternationalist01]

Mone was a leading figure in the “Better Together” movement in Scotland in 2014. Cameron gave her the knighthood for helping the Unionists get over the line. The reasons for her desire to preserve the union now become clear. The Westminster Tory trough was easier to get their snouts into compared to the much more transparent Holyrood system.

[@clarecrawford9677]

Quite right! One quibble: ‘knighthood’ should be ‘barony’. Knighthoods and damehoods are purely honorary. Being made a baron or lady is what gets people a seat in the House of Lords.

[@simondavies4603]

Do you mean the more transparent form of corruption under the Holyrood system?

[@Charlie_Andrews]

Absolutely correct. Mone was saying at the time that if Scotland became independent, she would move her manufacturing elsewhere. She's a self claimed beneficiary of these contracts and morally, people don't sit well with that. However, others that gained should also be called out and an inquiry should be forthcoming.

[@markbrown9803]

I don’t think the Holyrood system is any more transparent, it’s simply a smaller trough

[@andrewharrison7767]

transparent? Look at how hard the media had to work to uncover which minister was accountable for ordering ferries from a yard owned by an snp donor, which couldn't provide the legally required financial guarantees, and which the ferry company themselves said should never have even passed phase one - that decision has ferries 6 years late (so far), and £250 million+ over budget... Aye, totally transparent - likewise, Matheson's skypad bill; the truth needed dragged out of him after days of media scrutiny, even the First Minister stood by and excused it

[@robertbishopp4614]

Michelle Mone was guest speaker at a black tie event I attended a couple of years before she was ennobled. Even then she gave the distinct impression that her humble background automatically qualified her to expect wealth and privilege as if to redress the injustices she suffered in her early life. If she mentioned David Cameron once in her address she mentioned his name a dozen times and how he would get her into events as his guest. If illegality can be proven in relation to PPE activities then no doubt the courts will become involved however the single most offensive element to my mind is the fact that she might one day return to the upper house to sit in judgment over the legislation put forward by MPs duly elected by the general public.

[@witlesswonderthe2nd883]

The woman is a self entitled loon she rationalised her lying by playing the victim about her and her family being under media attack when she entered the lords. Now don’t get me wrong as it’s not my specialty, I do know that they don’t hold you hostage in there once you’ve entered. If it was that bad she could have packed in and waked like any other decent human being would have if she was serious about protecting herself and family. What she doesn’t like is the spotlight has been shone on her and her greedy grubby. Questions need to be answered why Burberry who offered to make and supply from their factories here at no profit were turned down flat.

[@stephendavies4210]

W.M.D

[@geraldbutler5484]

One more reason to abolish the house of horrors!

[@stapleton6]

For her father to loose his legs to cancer is one very unfortunate thing, to loose a brother to spina bifida is another, but for her to get pregnant at an early age and fail to get GSEs is hardly an injustice. In this country there is a social system which provides benefits to people who need help. Many countries don't have child benefits, unemployment benefits and housing benefits, but the people of those countries get on with life and don't have a sense of injustice which develops into a "I'm doing these immoral activities 'cos I've had it tough" campaign. This is her and husband screwing the British taxpayer, or does the great British public still think the government has a money tree planted in the garden of No.11 Downing Street? This is exploitation of position and a desperate health pandemic scare, to get rich at the British public's expense, pure and simple.

[@johnstirling6597]

Almost inevitably she will skate by with a slap on the wrist by a wet lettuce leaf and come out holier than thou.

[@christinehooper2078]

Completely corrupt crook, a repeated liar and not too bright. Deserves prison. Hubby too.

[@nathanielregan289]

She was the most balent example of PPE profiteering but she was hardly the only one however I would rather have the traditionally upper-class gifters be caught and held to account than her

[@biffa1234100]

I had no idea AC was married to a man, clears things up a bit

[@_Stroda]

@@nathanielregan289 Or, you know, they could all be locked up?

[@nathanielregan289]

@_Stroda preferably but we know that will never happen

[@andydudley1775]

@@nathanielregan289 she a lessor brit to the people who thown her to the wolves .plenty to take her place too.

[@pamphillips4055]

These podcasts should be on a loop and broadcast on main stream media. I could listen to all day long, fascinating and informative, thank you

[@christinethomas6763]

Not so sure there isn't already sucficienf self - congratulatory insider gossip going on in MSM. Entertaining yes but really 'informative '?

[@fatwalletboy2]

Do not pass GO. Pay £122m back. Go to Jail.

[@thehealinggame]

If her and her husband are found to be "at it", they need to go to jail while us taxpayers try and get our money back

[@davebento1548]

Is Rory correct saying there were no uk manufacturers ? I can recall manufacturers I thought were Uk based ringing into James O'Briens lbc show saying they previously supplied the NHS but were now supplying the rest of the world because the tories ignored them in order to give orders to their vip lane mates.

[@thetartanspartan01]

Rory is wrong by saying no one was producing PPE Equipment in the UK. Either he's uninformed in that area, or as a Tory he's trying to protect the party and put the blame solely on Mone. When really at the very least Hancock should get equal blame as he was the Health Secretary at the time. Alastair should have called him out on that mistake, but maybe he's not informed or he doesn't want to offend his friend.

[@tompearce3610]

I love these podcasts but never sure whether Rory is to an extent running cover for the Tories. As I understand it Mone was pushing a company that didn't exist initially and whilst there were worldwide shortages of PPE, there were NHS approved UK suppliers that the govt refused to use in favour of much slower and massively expensive PPE from Tories. The PPE delays will have caused deaths. This shouldn't be glossed over.

[@geraldbutler5484]

Great comment, after all Rory is a Tory, a high Tory but still a Tory. He wouldn’t want the Tory party completely destroyed.

[@laurieharper1526]

@@geraldbutler5484 Fair point. I do think he objects to what the Tory Party has become (they did withdraw the whip from him, after all), rather than the Party itself and would like to see it restored to what he believes it should be. He certainly wouldn't want to see it destroyed. As a Labour voter, I actually support him in that. We have to accept that there will always be a Tory Party and there will always be a sizeable number of people who support it. Given that fact, I want it to at least be decent, even if it isn't for me, so that when it is in power (which, like it or not, it will be), it will not pursue the same dastardly agenda as the present lot. I'd far rather have the likes of Rory, Ken Clarke and Dominic Grieve in government than Johnson, Anderson and Dorries.

[@Notalloldpeople]

Spot on. He can’t hide his roots and runs cover for the Tories all the time..

[@tompearce3610]

@@laurieharper1526 I too think we need a Tory party to act as a foil but both parties need to be able to face down their respective extreme wings. Sadly the Tories have been unable to do that for decades.

[@jahcotaykefentse6156]

Facts! Rory is a better politician than most but that only highlights how awful the current political class is! He’s extremely articulate but often bias unfortunately

[@RacheleStrata]

Rory and Alistair, I just want to say how grateful I am for this podcast and please continue the good work. Like a lot of people, I feel I don't have time to read the news as extensively as I should, and you guys are doing a superb job of keeping me in the loop and inspiring me to be a more curious, politically engaged person. I like how you provide explanations for those of us who haven't much background on certain topics, but also have really high level discussions.

[@bitandbob1167]

Here here!

[@annishilcock4587]

Absolutely agree.

[@dave8323]

It upsets me when people say stuff like "don't have time to read the news as extensively as i should". Wht posssible benefit is there to read the news!? How are you supposing you affect anything, whatsoever!? Perhaps instead you should read how media outlets are funded, and then look at the lies that are promulgated through them, and who's interest this benefits

[@grahamariss2111]

One point to note is that there are a good number of PPE companies in the UK, they reported at the time that they were getting orders coming in from abroad, but were not getting orders from the UK Government.

[@SkeletonDrums1]

The Torys and Tory Lords apparently were too busy setting up companies or enabling people to rob us blind to bother contacting PPE suppliers. I imagine their tongues hanging out and Loony Tunes pound signs rolling around their eyes.

[@standalby6949]

I wonder why ? Not

[@soniaspinks6204]

I believe Patrick Grant -Sewing Bee judge and businessman - offered to produce PPE but was turned down.

[@spartacusforlife1508]

Can someone tell me how full payment for the contract was made given the gowns were sub standard and rejected. This wouldn't have happened in the private sector. Who passed the payment? Obviously the blame for that lays with the health minister. Isn't this were the police should be be investigating given the payment must come under " corruption in public office " legislation, especially when the husband is a tory donor and MONE is a Tory peer. As for the government doing its own investigation, just another case of marking your own homework.

[@ianwheeler7513]

You make an excellent point.

[@jonzu217]

@@ianwheeler7513 Absolutely, who signs these things off without checking the items you have purchased.

[@ianwheeler7513]

Yeah, huge question mark there even in the middle of a pandemic.

[@spartacusforlife1508]

@@ianwheeler7513 it appears that every procurement section in each governmental department overseas vast amounts of wastage. The M.o.D. ' was classed as not fit for purpose by the parliamentary defence Committee. Is is suspected that wastage ,across government departments, totals 150 to 200 billion. Imagine were that can be spent? If you think that's an over estimation the PPE scandal wasted up to 20 billion

[@ianwheeler7513]

@spartacusforlife1508 I can well believe what you say. When this government is driven from power, real work needs to be done, including sorting out every facet of government. The rule book needs rewriting and abided to.

[@adadinthelifeofacyclist]

Led By Donkeys - brilliant work on Michelle Mone

[@darshanakaivalya8748]

NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. THEY WILL GET AWAY WITH IT LIKE EVERYONE ONE ELSE FROM THE TORIES.

[@nicindiff]

You need to correct yourself on PPE suppliers in the UK. They do exist, they were supplying our continental friends instead of the UK as they weren’t offered contracts. Plenty of them were talking about this on radio shows and online. It is not true that we don’t make it. We do!! The Tories just decided to enrich their mates instead!

[@R08Tam]

The barreness of Mone's conscience is staggering

[@philipmulville8218]

I don’t there is one. Mind boggling.

[@rosey_ie]

😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@michaelconway8877]

What a great joke - Barrenness Mone - she and Dougie were certainly barren when providing workable goods - but utterly brazen when salting away the cash. People should also look into the personal horror back story - that might also crash to bits.

[@janeknight3597]

In WW2 Lord Nuffield moved his car factory from car production to aeroplane production. Did the govt imagine that this is what Baroness Mone was doing?? If so their time in Oxford was wasted.

[@antoniofra1455]

Imagine Alastair Campbell calling out someone for lying to the press :/

[@paulpurves484]

Exactly.

[@Myrddin1955]

Campbell.........................sums it all up really!

[@chocksaway100]

The fella has no shame.

[@johnholkham2420]

Call to arms of the Lords and Baroness, sounds like the War of the Roses. Apparently the actual PPE companies could not get near the government even after repeated requests.

[@highpath4776]

while that is true it does appear Mone was able to get their supplier to change product line , which seems to increase capacity and avalibility, so does not, at first sight, seem wrong as such , though odd as china had restroctions on staff working during covid, so did someone brake rules overseas ?

[@johnholkham2420]

@@highpath4776 Yes but much supplied was rejected as sub standard , proper PPE suppliers had access to proper suppliers with expert knowledge. The way industry works is the acquiring agent supplies detailed information pacts to the manufacturer, the acquiring agent has to be sure the manufacturer is competent to produce and understands requirements. Underwear producers would know how to produce bras but sterile PPE is a total different ball game

[@eliseleonard3477]

The attack on Starmer for defending unsavory characters at trial is unconscionable. Here in the US John Adams defended the British troops involved in the Boston Massacre of 1770, on the principle that in a decent world everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense. (Also I think this comment highlights most of the differences between US and British spelling 😂)

[@B_Ruphe]

Must really stick in the craw for US Americans to have to spell it Massacre not Massacer. You have to laugh the way US Americans like to contrast USA English and "British" English in this sort of context ; when, in the real anglophone world, it's by and large ... the USA (and the Philppines and a couple of blighted Pacific atolls) _v._ ... The Rest of the Anglophone World (including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, the UK, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Malaysia, Myanmar, Hong Kong China, Singapore, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, Namibia, Gambia, Malta, Fiji, Channel Isles, Gibraltar, and - in "our backyard" - Belize, Guyana and the entire anglophone West Indies, not to forget Canada, hybrid but historically and officially following World (British) E. Apologies for others omitted.).

[@johnwright9372]

Not defending The Boston Massacre where 8 men were killed by British troops, the riot started when a mob of unruly, drunken citizens attacked a British sentry.

[@nick260682]

The right to a fair trial and legal representation is a pillar of democracy. Barristers are legally obliged to take a case, however repulsive they find the defendant. To be attacked for that is disgraceful.

[@graemefk6519]

@@nick260682 I don't think that many of the people that make judgmental comments about Barristers who defend (sometimes utterly appalling) criminals understand that this is the case.

[@kevinw1129]

Love the way Rory and Alastair dissect current affairs.😂

[@derekpbyrne]

Brilliant podcast guys ... your experience, historical and political insights are awesome - thank you 👏

[@gizmo5601]

At this point we only have Barrowman’s word that the profit was £60mn. That may or may not be true and even if it’s the case may include many extravagant corporate expenses, legal fees and significant director salaries. The true profit margin maybe much higher.

[@user-dc7mh2by7i]

The second contract awarded to Medpro was for 25 million sterile surgical gowns for £122,000,000 which upon inspection were not fit for purpose and not a single gown was used by the NHS. Disgusting

[@highpath4776]

@@user-dc7mh2by7i As ever depends what the contract wording stated

[@1gerard47]

​@@user-dc7mh2by7iit's mad eh.

[@kevinthepilgrim5441]

It turns out, surprise surprise that Mone and husband had employed a private investigator who was also behind their recent video and set up the BBC interview. An ex-copper, he has been advising them (not too well) for some time. If and hopefully when it goes to court they could face perjury charges if they persisted with their original false story. Hence the recent admissions.

[@christinestorey6580]

Just want to say that your podcast is such a breath of fresh air in reportage and news discussion. The ‘sound bite’ element of regular news is so frustrating and almost always gives a biased or wrong impression on the topic. Thank you both for your time on these items.

[@alexmalex82]

This podcast is just such a breath of fresh air. Hard leftie here, but like, older lol so I appreciate the nuance and motivation of people even if I disagree with them. I would welcome some dialogue about Grenfell if you can. Thank you.

[@ianwheeler7513]

Rory conveniently omitted companies that have experience in supplying PPE to the NHS were ignored.

[@joanneward6746]

Yes this, and all the others who did similar to Michelle and have not been held to account at all

[@ianwheeler7513]

@joanneward6746 I agree the whole cesspool needs to be held to account, I'd go further their assets in the UK, and aboard should be seized,perhaps a few more hospitals can be built, junior doctors paid wages that keep up with inflation. Far too much of the UK'S has been given over to people who have no goal other than to line their pockets.

[@highpath4776]

It appears the NHS Supply and Procurement train had been derailed by the tories long before covid hit

[@plumduff3303]

Fantastic interview

[@LA-fr7fx]

The level of ministerial corruption/incompetence is astounding. While Mone should be held accountable, she will not be made an escape goat!

[@danyoutube7491]

Scapegoat is the word you're after, not escape goat :) I agree with the sentiment though.

[@Sulayman.786]

Lol, maybe escape goat is more apt given they will all be attempting the Greatest Of All Time Escape from justice via their preplanned vehicles, Handcock, Mone, Johnson et al. Don't forget Camera On was there when this was all planned and set up.

[@Bevan1988]

Whenever I see someone say escape goat I assume they are trolling dave gorman

[@jaywalk4446]

I used to have an escape goat, but no longer. It...well...you know what happened!

[@troytempest290]

🤣

[@getinthevantim]

I'm a first time listener and very impressed by the quality of the analysis. Thank you gentlemen, subscribe button pushed.

[@michaelbright9162]

Other commentators have referred to UK manufacturers of pipe failing to get anyone from the government to answer their calls about supplying ppe equipment that they manufactured. One reference has been to a company supplying parts of the EU but offered to give preferential treatment to the NHS.

[@markashdown1314]

Cameron fancied the scrubber as per Rebekah Brooks. Looks carried it off.

[@mrpastryify]

She was 'honoured' for services to the 'Better together 'campaign in Scotland prior to the Scottish independence vote

[@malcolmmitchell6529]

And?

[@pauljorgensen6608]

Her lower limbs aren’t familiar with that phrase.

[@mtb5778]

fascinating listening to the immense knowledge and experience of this pair. fantastic stuff.

[@philipmulville8218]

That was a top class discussion. Very illuminating. Thank you.

[@naomilim2378]

why are you not running this broken country, Rory, we need you.

[@truthforever5508]

Excellent discussion. Have learned a lot listening to Alistair and Rory. They are both very calm and easy to listen to and learn 👏

[@mrsmammymac]

Nobody want to name this as profiteering !!

[@marcuscosgrove9431]

I really enjoy this podcast. I can't say i have the same politics as either of these guys, but I really appreciate their discussions. 10/10.

[@marley2319]

And that right there is why Cameron should not be back in politics!!! They are all in the same money boat. All out for what they can get for themselves! And they will lie lie and lie to get what they want!!! This country needs a bloody good shake up from top to bottom!!!

[@Pooky-Cat]

I really appreciate the recapping on backstories, so many things have been forgotten (possibly by just me) from recent political history. If only I could pretend this was some kind of Elstree Studio film and at the end of the story the camera pulls back and shows us all dancing the conga across Tower Bridge with a voiceover saying it's all going to be OK because we're British...... 😖

[@mattwright2964]

Need to listen to the whole podcast. A very, very important podcast, not so much the Mone stuff at the beginning but the geopolitical discussion in the second half, especially about Orban. There is no doubt we are in dangerous territory and the danger is populist nationalists made worse by moderates not having the courage to take them on. I feel 2024 is going to be an incredibly pivotal year for the West in which it is absolutely vital the right wing ideologues are stopped both sides of the Atlantic.

[@witlesswonderthe2nd883]

Change the record, wanting accountability real democracy and control of who comes and goes is not far right, it used to be called common sense and decency for everyone. Constant name calling is not only childish but pathetic

[@garethmartin6522]

The opinions of war criminals are worthless.

[@vincenzegreisingel2429]

Utter nonsense. Only an idiot would waffle on about populism (democracy you fool) after a £60mn fraud was perpetrated against UK public. Pathetic remoaners. Orban is an absolute hero. Wilders also. Any leader that stands against the suffocating bureaucratisation and disempowerment of a nation state should be applauded. We wanted and voted for our sovereignty, to protect our borders and show some spine against encroaching interference in our lives. Shame on you.

[@Diniles]

​@@witlesswonderthe2nd883How is Orban "real democracy"? The democratic process in Hungary is fundamentally undermined.

[@witlesswonderthe2nd883]

Where in my comment did I defend Orban? I didn’t I just stated anyone who wants border controls and checks are classed as far right, not only is it pointless it does nothing to help hold those who hold the public in utter contempt to account. They preach about democracy without ever really letting happen.

[@tonysimons988]

Very entertaining. Thank you gentlemen.

[@mickcorbett6724]

If you enjoy walking, having time to think, ponder & a serious interest in politics. Enjoy the podcast whilst doing those things.

[@restispolitics]

We're available, wherever you get your audio podcasts!

[@robertdarby6553]

7:35

[@craig3533]

Most people believe innately they should follow the intent of the law, and they're called good citizens. Some people believe that they should only follow the letter of the law, and we tend to call them dodgy. A few people believe that they should only worry about the law when it'll actually have notably punitive consequences when they break it, and we call those privileged public school graduates and Tory party associates. Never let these people convince you they're hard done by - it just helps them keep the image they have of you that you're a sucker they can take for every penny.

[@MrMikeRafter]

She supported the Union and openly was against Independence. She once said if Scotland becomes Independent she would move to England. With several TV appearances advocating "better together " and this may well be one of the major reasons She received a seat in the house of Lords shortly after the vote.

[@annemoncrieff3875]

That was another little english, better together debacle. Now Scotland being screwed over even more by little england especially now we have lost eu protection.

[@chriswilliams5423]

You guys are just brilliant, it's just fascinating to listen to, such an education. Thank you.

[@BJHolloway1]

Maybe its a question of timing but I really would have liked to hear you both talking about Mones' tweet yesterday regards Lord Bethell where he actually used a Whatspp message to try to make a point and Mone immediately latched onto the "fact" that the date on LB's Whatsapp message placed it within the date range where he had previously, like some other persons in that dangerous Bermuda Triangle of Whatsapps that is Westminster lost all of his messages. Maybe we have not heard the last about this weird phenomenon which seemed to be very selective at striking only Tory MPs and Lords Whatsapp accounts..

[@therealrobertbirchall]

GCHQ can recover those WhatsApp messages no problem. Everything on the Internet is there forever.

[@MrGeorgFTW]

Is the Angela Rayner interview going to be uploaded to KZbin?

[@restispolitics]

Tomorrow!

[@lokischildren7862]

This is absolutely brilliant

[@mickcorbett6724]

Tax wealth, not incomes, excess profits & banker bonuses, etc, etc. Investigate tax evasion & redistribute the proceeds to boost our public services & infrastructure.

[@bereal6590]

Good points 👏👏✌

[@buzzandselunsupervised649]

Excellent, balanced listening. truly admire you both now. struggled a bit with the Burnley fan in the late 90's and early 2000's but really enjoyed this. thanks for taking the time from 2 truly remarkable gentlemen

[@sevecc939]

If you get scammed and dont receive the products that you pay for or it is not fit for purpose, your bank can charge the supplier back. Why is this any different that they can't do the same?

[@kirkhunter146]

It isn't, the corruption extends all the way to Downing Street.

[@tonydaddario4706]

@Rory. Mone also married well, her first husband Michael a wealthy stockbroker stepped in when Ultimo became insolvent. Michael's wealthy friends Grabiner (CEO of Philip Green's Arcadia/ Top Shop) and Hunter (billionaire retailer) took control of the company. They got the Ultimo bra into their shops and the firm made a small profit on it's £10m annual turnover for a few years before they sold their shares back to the Mones. Michael sold his shares to Ultimo's overseas supplier in Sri Lanka and left Michelle for their designer. The firm became loss making again and finally Michelle's minority shareholding shares were swapped in a debt for equity deal with their Asian supplier leaving MIchelle broke. All other business ventures she tried were also failures.

[@therealrobertbirchall]

She's handy at the golddigging.

[@LesHentschel-hk2hd]

I listened to Carol Vorderman on LBC who said we did have companies already set up in our country providing theses products to the NHS who were refused the chance to do their job so that the ViP lane providers could take over.

[@davidfitzpatrick1242]

If the investigation find evidence of fraud and corruption then the book should be thrown at her and her husband. But I can't help thinking that the government doesn't mind the amount of noise against this one PPE supplying company as it diverts attention. According to them (and it should be checked) the costs of the products that PPE Medpro supplied were significantly cheaper than the average the government paid. By definition then other companies were charging far more than average - why aren't we looking at those companies to see if any excess profiteering took place or if the procurement processes were poor enough to let it happen. This feels like a magician distracting attention whilst the real action is elsewhere.

[@markclans3284]

What I’ve never understood is how the NHS which must be the largest single buyer of medical supplies, had no leverage/supplier relationships. No goodwill. What is it doing about all those failed relationships now - do we still use them

[@southerncomfortuk]

Goodwill seemed to go out the window where profit was concerned during the pandemic, even some very small scale businesses dumped loyal customers to increase their sales. Shocking all the same.

[@jackiechan8840]

Great podcast. Thanks to both of you. (And the people behind the scenes) TTFN

[@herme99]

A phrase I often seen used in the context of US politics - 'shamelessness is their superpower' ETA, Rorys recollection of detail is impressive.

[@jonduncombe2658]

This is the first time I have needed to contact you both, two people talking sense and truth, thank you. I will try not to miss your future podcasts

[@mediastudiesnetwork]

Alistair had me laughing aloud with his dry humor: “Thereby further endearing David Cameron to you as a great statesman” ❤ lollll

[@southafrica73]

She was made a Baroness as reward for her "services" to the Better Together campaign during the Scottish independence referendum campaigns.

[@clarecrawford9677]

Stewart and Campbell won’t mention this as they are both Unionists.

[@thepm3972]

FREEDOM

[@roypowell3450]

Well done David! You must remember whilst they are having ago at her, no doubt it is to take our minds of something more sinister going on!! That's our politics....

[@Dragonsitter]

So interesting and stimulating thank you both 😘

[@tonyking2030]

Yet another very informative podcast 👍😊

[@jamesdiamond820]

Love Campbell laughing at Mone , she’s a sham a busted flush but I remember poor Dr Kelly

[@kirkhunter146]

Who was assassinated at another location and then driven to where his body was found by secret services. That guy did not commit suicide, he had no reason to, he was telling the truth, and the Gov't never likes truth telling.

[@user-lo4dv1wq7x]

This was a pleasure to listen to. Well informed and insightful. Thank you.

[@fndthousing]

Have you heard of Impress? It is the section 40 compliant regulator that regulates 200 titles in the UK. It protects both publishers and the public from crippling costs in accessing justice and finding resolutions for media complaints. It would be great to discuss it and use it as an example of how section 40 can work.

[@julieyates405]

Thank you for intelligent, insightful conversation here. Are there WEF connections to consider? The overall management of procurement contracts and useless PPE being stored because of over ordering or other reasons, should be carefully scrutinised. Is someone being thrown under the bus so investigation into wider misappropriation of public funds can be avoided. It doesn't seem like pure incompetence, when UK suppliers didn't get contracts, more opportunists maximising profit potential. Should others appointed by DC be subject to scrutiny? From the reporting here, it appears a person not fit for high office was appointed. We need to question why? They say 'nothing in politics happens by chance'....

[@profdrrameshkumarbiswas1337]

I think an investigation should immediately start to investigate if and how much money changed hands for Mone’s peerage and if Cameron benefited.

[@patrickbarrett5650]

It seems blindingly obvious that the real movers and shakers who will profit need ‘front men’ and ‘fall guys.’ They reward the person who takes the flak and slink back into the shadows regardless of the result.

[@Bl0ckHe1d]

I thought Ms Mone was placed in the Lords by Cameron for her part in the Scottish independence in 2014

[@lifes-entertainment2484]

Brilliant stuff, keep it up, please 🙏

[@diamondaircraft900]

I love this vlog. There’s always something new to learn (e.g. Nagorno-Karabakh situation and Serbia). Thank you both 😊

[@smoothsilk47]

Cameron now back in government, the cause of Brexit & connected with Mone, his judgement makes me wonder!

[@normasarsby1350]

That’s working out well for them.

[@rosalindchurcher8028]

Always very interesting and informative.

[@greghill7759]

@2.15 While giving us some of the lows and debatable highs of Ms Mone's remarkable life, Rory Stewart manages to provide both information and entertainment in equal measure. The best that can be said of her is that she has certainly "managed to make something of herself."

[@Kevin-si1es]

I wish all politicians were like Alistair and Rory honest sincere and explain everything keep up the good work guys

[@Royboy50]

Has Alistair metaphorically changed

[@linmac1686]

Alastair invented spin and lies in Labour sorry. He is as bad

[@RacheleStrata]

Re Michelle Mone, I just don't understand having that extent of wealth and doing these incredibly dodgy deals with the potential to damage your reputation just to make more money on top of the mountain of money you already have? Can anyone explain the psychology behind this?

[@audreymcgready4329]

Greed.

[@RobBCactive]

She didn't get rich by accident

[@markware85]

The utter greed of the rich. It’s not the money, it’s the sheer lust of acquiring it.

[@32582657]

Mone is clearly a very talented entrepreneur. But isn’t it true that Barrowman made a lot of his money from dodgy deals and Mone became involved in supporting him on his deals after their marriage?

[@leswainwright5343]

GREED

[@normasarsby1350]

I can’t believe I only just discovered your broadcast. Fantastic. Thank you.

[@dougie6886]

Mone did not have a hard upbringing, she was no different from anyone during that period.

[@sailingmrnice]

Solid podcast. Great work.

[@bereal6590]

Piers Morgan needs to be investigated and if and I suspect he is guilty, get prison time!

[@leswainwright5343]

Yes!

[@kirkhunter146]

If there was any dirt there to be found it would have been found, he probably did nothing himself but actively enabled a culture where others under his employ did the dirty stuff.

[@kenmay1572]

"David Cameron a great statesman" Best laugh I have heard for weeks.

[@angied8919]

He's better than most we've had recently

[@therealrobertbirchall]

​@@angied8919😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jackhunter4556]

There is nothing wrong with making profit. There has to be a financial incentive for people to do business with the government and supply what they need. However a 30% markup is a ridiculous failure in negotiation by the government. The procurement and tendering process also needs absolute reform. So we don’t get this friends first vip lane nonsense that incentives this corrupt behaviour. But actually get the best value for the British people.

[@richardharvey1732]

Hi Jack Hunter, I once made a substantial profit trading second-hand construction materials, all quite legal but far too lucrative!, at the time I was seriously tempted to divert more of my resources to such endeavours but decided not to because being unable to rely on trading for long term income I chose to just continue working, I then had fifty years of quite rewarding labour without ever making any profit from it, I just got paid for the work I did all of which I still own, just the work no property, you understand, that history of work is now all I have and is mine and mine alone, wealth beyond all price!, far more valuable than any of that silly profit!. I write all this in this manner to explain that while there is nothing 'wrong' with a bit of profit it is never a good enough reason or motivation, quantity is never an adequate substitute for quality. The underlying problem seems mew to to be related to the fact that as mere silly humans we so easily fall into foolish ways guided more by ambition and desire than connection with reality, that quick and easy is 'better' than long and slow, as much as anything else directed by the sheer surplus of human energy and optimism. Cheers, Richard.

[@patricktracey7424]

its a pity rory stuart didn't become prime minister.

[@Rayblondie]

The comeback of Cameron is a nightmare come true. It in not fair to use a person in the Lords unelected to use as a foreign secretary. It shows the corruption of the system.

[@johnroche6333]

Cheers lads glad I found you 👍

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Yes, she's done well for herself, but that doesn't excuse lying.

[@plumpsh]

An unlikely 'Tour de Force' Messrs Campbell/Stewart but certainly an accomplished Tell It How It is 'go too' NEWS FEED. Well done chaps; you're on the Dime every time! ROB

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting

[@michaelgoss9606]

Thank you, a very interesting talk.

[@johnoconnor2114]

Rory I would like to inform you we do manufacture PPE in the UK that is a fact.

[@markhopkins6133]

A pair of professional liars, bad mouthing other professional liars.

[@michaelmayo3127]

Absolutly a great site, very objective.👍👍👍 from here in Scandinavia.

[@Harlock2day]

Hi from Rome ! Great conversation there, it's a shame to see the bright minds are not into government but are left to discuss the damage being done. I have shared your video. 💪🏻

[@suecole7338]

Don't understand Rory's comments that he doesn't often agree with the SNP. As from reading his books and listening to the podcasts I don't know who he's kidding. Apart from the obvious question of Independence which Rory is totally against, the SNP have put wellbeing at the heart of all their policies and despite the lack of media coverage have achieve so much whilst in power. SNP also introduced citizen assemblies which he raves about. Just a shame you don't give Nicola or Humza an opportunity to discuss in a podcast. Whilst I may not always agree with your politics, I do feel the Country needs people like Rory back in Parliament before it's too late.