Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Infected Blood Inquiry Report

20 May 2024 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rishi Sunak raised concerns about infected blood inquiry report in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Speaker acknowledged the publication of Sir Brian Langstaff's final report on the infected blood inquiry
  • The report details systemic failures by the NHS and successive Governments leading to infections in haemophilia patients
  • At least 3,000 deaths occurred without an apology or accountability for the failures mentioned in the report

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Rishi Sunak

Mr Speaker, Sir Brian Langstaff has published the final report of the infected blood inquiry. This report reveals a 'catalogue' of systemic failures from NHS to successive Governments that led to infections among haemophilia patients through contaminated treatments and whole blood transfusions. Warnings were ignored repeatedly, resulting in at least 3,000 deaths without an apology or accountability. The minister apologises for these failures and promises comprehensive compensation based on the inquiry's recommendations, which will be detailed by his colleague tomorrow. Additionally, a full response to Sir Brian Langstaff’s wide-ranging recommendations will be given after thorough study.

Other contributors (12)
  • James Davies Con Montgomerys

    Question

    The MP asks the Minister about the funding for the compensation scheme and expresses concern over its adequacy, given the scale of the scandal.

    Minister reply

    The minister confirms that the Government is committed to paying whatever it takes to deliver comprehensive compensation as recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff's inquiry. The exact details will be outlined tomorrow.

  • William McCrea Con South Antrim

    Question

    The MP asks about the timing of compensation payments, given that some victims have been waiting for justice for over 40 years.

    Minister reply

    We aim to move swiftly on this matter. The Minister for the Cabinet Office will provide more details tomorrow regarding how soon compensation payments can begin.

  • Diana Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North

    Question

    The MP asks about the full extent of compensation, including support for carers and bereaved family members.

    Minister reply

    The inquiry recommendations include provisions to cover all those affected by this scandal. The Government will ensure that these are fully implemented.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Question

    The MP asks about the role of the Department of Health and Social Care in addressing recommendations not covered under the NHS Act 2006.

    Minister reply

    We will work closely with all relevant departments to ensure that Sir Brian’s recommendations are fully addressed, regardless of their scope.

  • Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras

    Question

    This scandal represents one of the gravest injustices in the country's history, caused by wrongdoing, delay, and systemic failure. The Labour Party expresses its sincere apology for the suffering endured by victims.

    Minister reply

    The Prime Minister apologised unequivocally on behalf of Governments since the 1970s, recognising that compensation came too late and was insufficient due to a shameful failure.

  • Peter Bottomley Con Billerica

    Question

    Permanent secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries need to say 'Are we doing something that is right? Are we doing something that is necessary? Are we doing something that will work?' Does my right hon. Friend agree this could have reduced the number of tragedies?

    Minister reply

    Sir Brian’s report details numerous recommendations, which the Government will respond to as quickly as possible.

  • Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South

    Question

    This scandal represents decades of deflection, denial and deceit. The Scottish National party offers victims an apology, thank you for their determination in ensuring their voices were heard.

    Minister reply

    The Government is committed to working together to ensure that nothing like this shocking calamity can ever happen again.

  • Theresa May Con Richmond Park

    Question

    Will the Prime Minister commit himself unashamedly to ensuring all those in Government recognise their job is to serve the public, not protect themselves?

    Minister reply

    The Government will work urgently across public organisations to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again.

  • Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton

    Question

    Will the Prime Minister join me in backing the survivors' call for a duty of candour on all public officials?

    Minister reply

    The Government will study every recommendation in detail and work urgently to ensure that innocent victims are never again forced to fight for decades to be believed.

  • Sajid Javid

    Question

    I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement, and, indeed, the words of the Leader of the Opposition. This scandal—the biggest in the history of the NHS—along with the scandals of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust and those covered by the Ockenden and Cass reviews, are linked by public servants putting their reputations and that of the NHS above patient safety and care. Time and again, Ministers—including me—have stood at that Dispatch Box under successive Governments, promising that lessons will be learnt. I ask my right hon. Friend: why will it be any different this time?

    Minister reply

    Sir Brian’s report states categorically that this scandal represents a decades-long moral failure of the state, but in particular he highlights an appalling truth: that our national health service failed. It was known that blood and blood products given by medical professionals were contaminated. It is correct to acknowledge that medical practice has evolved—every day hundreds of thousands of our NHS staff do provide life-saving care for the British people, and we are incredibly grateful—but the report sets out clear and wide-ranging recommendations that we must study closely, and we will work urgently with our health services to ensure that nothing like this will ever happen again.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Question

    I thank the Prime Minister for his statement, and for his apology on behalf of the nation. I also thank Sir Brian for his report. Finally—the truth. It is a vindication of nearly 50 years of campaigning for justice. I pay tribute to all those infected and affected, and also, importantly, to those who have lost their lives in the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Two people, on average, are still dying every week. I wonder whether the Prime Minister understands that, although his Government accepted the moral case for compensation to be paid in December 2022, their failure to act on Sir Brian’s second interim report in April 2023 has added another layer of hurt. I hope very much, following what the Prime Minister has said this afternoon, that by the end of this year compensation payments will start to be made to all those infected and affected.

    Minister reply

    I thank the right hon. Lady for her statement, and for her care and unwavering dedication to delivering justice. She knows better than anyone in the House the devastation that this scandal has inflicted on the community, and the strength they have shown in their fight for the truth. Sir Brian’s report sets out a decades-long failure and makes it clear that this is a moment of national shame. No one could fail to be moved by the stories within it, by the utterly shameful treatment of victims and their loved ones, by the callousness and cruelty that they suffered, and by their outstanding bravery, resilience and refusal to yield to a lifetime of prejudice and trauma. They have fought for the truth to be out, and they were right. Above all, today is a day for their voices to be heard.

Shadow Comment

Keir Starmer

The shadow acknowledges the unprecedented scale of failure across Governments and commits to working with the Prime Minister for swift compensation. He recognises that political parties, including Labour, failed victims, who suffered due to systemic failures compounded by institutional defensiveness. Shadow calls for lessons learned to prevent future injustices.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy