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Peers have inflicted a string of defeats on the UK government over its plans to reform the UK’s public procurement regime following Brexit.
The House of Lords defied ministers to back a series of changes to the Procurement Bill.
It sets the stage for a potential tussle between the upper chamber and the elected House over the draft legislation, known as parliamentary ping-pong.
The bill aims to enshrine in law the objectives of public procurement, including delivering value for money, public good, transparency, integrity, equal treatment and non-discrimination.
In the first defeat, peers backed by 196 to 183, majority 13, a move to ensure the NHS is covered by the same procurement rules as other public bodies and is not treated differently.
Later, the House approved by 163 votes to 162, a majority of just one, a change that would force ministers to consider a set of principles before publishing a national procurement policy statement.
Peers went on to support by 165 to 150, majority 15, an amendment proposed by Tory former health secretary Lord Lansley, demanding the inclusion of certain priorities in the procurement document, including achieving climate targets, promoting innovation among potential suppliers and minimising corruption and waste.
source: PA
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