Politics, Philosophy and Economics

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Just why has PPE procurement become such a fraught issue for the government?

If PPE procurement has become a fraught issue for government ministers, perhaps it’s because so many of them hold degrees with the same initials.

February 2020 a new sales drive is being planned at Union Jax, a “an ironic-patriotic novelty souvenir and confectionery” company run by young entrepreneurs Stuart and Jacqueline. Orders and profits are soaring, but they are concerned about the impact of the likely closure in lockdown of shops they supply.

In March, their fears are confirmed, with the high streets around the world closed. They are trying to mitigate losses by increasing their digital footprint, when they receive a phone call from Eugene, who identifies himself as a special adviser to the government. What does he specially advise them on? “Procurement.” Are they familiar with the term “PPE”? The government needs billions of items, and the suitably patriotically named “Union Jax” feels just like the sort of dynamic start-up that should be providing some of it. Would they like to tender? 

The amazed young executives point out that their expertise is more in the line of cakes and biscuits in the shape of London landmarks or marzipan models of the Royal Family. Shouldn’t they be using people who know about this stuff? But Eugene assures them that this government doesn’t do things the way they’ve always been done. They think outside the box.

But as deadlines draw near and Union Jax discovers itself way out of its depth when it comes to PPE, the Good Law Project comes calling. Exactly why have millions been spaffed on these neophyte incompetents? And, awkwardly, neither Stuart nor Jacqueline can provide a credible answer.

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics by Mark Lawson

EUGENE ..... Alex Jennings
JACQUELINE ..... Macy Nyman	
STUART ..... Tom Glenister
HANNAH ..... Jane Slavin

Producer/Director, Eoin O’Callaghan
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