Mike Wood MP, in his role as Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, responds to an Urgent Question in the House of Commons on Government procurement.
While welcoming the Government’s ambition to modernise the UK’s procurement system, Mike Wood presses Ministers on whether delivery is matching the rhetoric. In a detailed and forensic response, he raises key concerns around transparency, support for small businesses, and the effectiveness of current reforms.
He questions when the Government’s promised online register of commercial agreements will be operational and whether it will provide full transparency from the outset. He also calls for clearer reporting on SME participation across departments, highlighting the need to ensure small businesses are genuinely benefiting from public contracts.
On accountability, Mike Wood challenges the Government on prompt payment practices and asks how many suppliers have been excluded for failing to meet required standards. He also draws attention to concerns raised by the National Audit Office around fragmented systems, poor-quality frameworks, and underuse of data and technology.
The speech also addresses national security risks within supply chains, including links to hostile states, and raises questions about the potential impact of EU “Buy European” policies. Finally, he highlights concerns that new social value requirements could increase costs and complexity, particularly for SMEs.
Watch the full response for a comprehensive scrutiny of the Government’s procurement strategy.
