Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to conflicting reports on why the UK missed out on the EU joint procurement scheme for medical supplies, said:

“First we were told the Government missed an email invitation to join the EU procurement scheme. Then we were told the decision not to take part was a political decision. Now we are told that the Government did sign up to the scheme.

“This is not a trivial matter. Ministers needs to explain what has happened and who is speaking for the Government on this matter.”