Visions of vultures circling the NHS brought to mind

Sir, – Many commentators have expressed concern over the UK Government’s method of allocating Covid-19 related contracts where no tendering process has taken place, so multiple companies cannot bid.

The UK Government is further tarnished by these contracts seemingly being awarded to friends of the party, politicians or advisers to politicians.

Speed is essential in fighting this virus, but being open and transparent on the use of ‘our taxes’ is also required.

Obfuscation seems to be the communication method of choice now.

For instance Test and Trace is branded as NHS-England/ Wales, but it is actually ‘outsourced’ to Serco. Test and Protect is branded as NHSScotland, and is run by local health area professionals, that have been doing this job successfully for years.

Spending on outsourced services does not result in consequentials for the Scottish Government.

So far £12 billion has been spent on UK’s Test and Trace .

I could see the initial contract being offered in this manner for speed.

But future contracts follow the standard process with strict shortened timelines, meaning bidding companies work 24/7 to bid.

The latest £347 million contract being allocated is to Randox, a private health care provider linked to the Tory Party, whose testing kits had to be recalled in the summer, due to contamination, again with no competitive tendering.

Visions of healthcare suppliers circling the UK National Health Service like vultures watching a dying animal come to mind. Alistair Ballantyne. Birkhill,

Angus.