‘Let’s talk cronyism!’: Wes Streeting fires back after Conservative criticism

Wes Streeting hit back at accusations of Labour cronyism in response to an urgent question (UQ) on Monday afternoon.

The health secretary was brought before the commons by his shadow, Victoria Atkins, following a Sunday Times report that held former Labour politician Alan Milburn had been invited to meetings and shown health department documents, despite not holding an official role.

Atkins, who was granted a UQ on the matter, asked: “Has Mr. Milburn declared his business interests to the department? And can the right honourable gentleman [Streeting] reassure the House on how these conflicts are being managed?”

Streeting responded: “If she wants to lead with her chin and talk cronyism, let’s talk cronyism. Why don’t we talk about Owen Patterson lobbying ministers on behalf of Randox? They care so much about cronyism, they welcome Lord Cameron back with open arms following his paid lobbying for Greensill”.

“Let’s not even get into Baroness Mone and the £200 million contract for PPE”, he added.

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