MP Steve Witherden Accused of Diverting Ukraine Ventilator Donation to Cuba
A Labour Member of Parliament, Steve Witherden, stands accused of appropriating a proposal to donate unused ventilators to Ukraine and redirecting the initiative towards Cuba. Steve Eccleshall, a retired policeman and volunteer with the charity Driving Ukraine, lodged a complaint with the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, alleging Witherden’s actions.
Mr Eccleshall claims he presented Witherden with a letter on 6 February, detailing his efforts to secure approximately 40 ventilators from Wrexham Maelor Hospital for Ukraine. These ventilators, supplied during the Covid pandemic, were reportedly incompatible with the hospital's systems and had remained in storage.
However, a letter dated 9 February, reportedly from Witherden to the Wrexham health board, made a similar request for the ventilators but specified their donation to Cuba. Mr Eccleshall alleges significant textual similarities between the two letters, indicating plagiarism.
Witherden, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Cuba and is involved in a solidarity campaign for the nation, reportedly cited Cuba's need for medical supplies following a visit in October. The US blockade, tightened under President Trump, was highlighted as worsening a humanitarian crisis.
Mr Eccleshall expressed profound disappointment, stating, “There's a trust aspect - you are my MP, I've come to you with an idea. You said you'll help me, and within three days you've stolen it.” He further accused Witherden of “duplicity and dishonesty,” arguing that both Ukraine and Cuba ultimately lose out due to the MP’s actions.
Betsi Cadwaladr health board confirmed receiving requests for the medical equipment for both Ukraine and Cuba. The board is currently assessing the financial and governance implications of any potential donation, as the ventilators are currently classified as health board assets. Approval from the Welsh government is required for such donations, and no formal request has yet been submitted by the health board.