Lib Dems to re-table amendment to scrap VIP lanes

The Liberal Democrats announced they will re-table an amendment in the House of Commons to ban VIP lanes in future procurement decisions, following Conservative Peers voting down the Lib Dem amendment in the House of Lords.

This would amend the Procurement Bill to ensure that no preferential treatment for public contracts can be given to organisations recommended by MPs and Peers.

The party have urged Conservative ministers to accept the amendment to end the “sleaze and cronyism” that has run rampant under their watch

It follows new reports in the Guardian that a former Conservative Party Chair and Conservative Peers helped secure £50 million worth of PPE contracts.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson Sarah Olney announced the re-tabling today in the Commons and asked the Government to support the party's amendment.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said:

“As people continue to struggle through this Cost of Living crisis, this Conservative Government’s recklessness with taxpayers’ money will only twist the knife. 

“Whatever the cost to the public purse, it is utterly unacceptable that we have seen special treatment for Conservative ministers and their friends.

“This Liberal Democrat amendment would scrap VIP lanes from future procurement decisions to avoid this kind of unforgivable waste in future.

“Rishi Sunak’s pledge to act with ‘integrity and professionalism’ risks becoming an empty promise unless he accepts this amendment to crack down on future cronyism and sleaze.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1. Today’s Guardian report on new allegations that a former Conservative Party Chair and Conservative Peers helped secure £50 million worth of PPE contracts.

2. Results of the vote on this Liberal Democrat amendment in the House of Lords