Government Awards Up to £1.1 Billion in PPE Contracts to Firms Linked to Plymouth Brethren

The investigation by Byline Times and The Citizens has uncovered that over 20 companies with apparent ties to the Plymouth Brethren have secured government contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) worth up to £1.1 billion since March 2020. These contracts span both central and local government levels, highlighting a significant financial involvement of the group in pandemic-related procurement.

One of the largest recipients, Unispace, a global commercial interior design firm, has secured PPE contracts totaling £670 million. The company admits that its founders met through the Plymouth Brethren church in 2008 but denies direct ownership or control by the group. Anthony Hazell, the company’s director, and Gareth Hales, its CEO, hold significant control. Hales, an Australian, is the son of Bruce Hales, the world leader of the Exclusive Plymouth Brethren.

The Plymouth Brethren is an evangelical Christian movement that adheres to a fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible. The group emphasizes separation from the outside world, believing it to be morally corrupting. Members are generally expected to avoid socializing, eating, or drinking with non-Brethren individuals. World leader Bruce Hales stated in 2006 that members must develop an “utter hatred of the world” to resist its influence, though the Church claims these remarks were taken out of context.

The group’s influence extends beyond spiritual teachings into economic and social spheres. With approximately 45,000 members worldwide, including around 20,000 in the UK, the Brethren encourage education at their own schools, employment at Brethren-run businesses, and marriage within the group. The Times reported that over 1,000 UK businesses linked to the Brethren generate £2 billion annually, while UK Brethren charities earned £138 million in 2013 alone.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the group’s economic activities appear to have expanded significantly through government PPE contracts. Previous research by Byline Times, cited by The Citizens, revealed that PPE contracts worth up to £951 million had been awarded to 11 firms with links to the Brethren by October 2020. The Citizens, a non-profit organization, has been investigating pandemic-related contracts.

The findings raise questions about the extent of the group’s influence and the transparency of government procurement processes. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the financial ties between the Plymouth Brethren and the PPE contracts awarded during the pandemic.

Source: Read the original report