Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme (Report) 2025-03-12

12 March 2025 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Liam Conlon Lab Beckenham and Penge

Benefits & WelfareWomen & Equalities

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Liam Conlon raised concerns about mother and baby institutions payment scheme (report) 2025-03-12 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme affecting UK benefits for survivors.
  • Liam Conlon cites Philomena Lee's story to highlight widespread mistreatment in Irish mother and baby homes.
  • Many survivors have not applied for compensation due to potential loss of UK benefits.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Liam Conlon Lab Beckenham and Penge

Moves for leave to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of State to report on disregarding payments received under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme operated by the government of Ireland, aimed at addressing taxation, means-tested social security payments, and social care capital limits. Liam Conlon highlights Philomena Lee’s story as an example of tens of thousands of women who suffered in mother and baby homes due to harsh conditions, mistreatment, and abuse. He emphasises that many survivors moved to England and risk losing their benefits if they accept compensation from the scheme, noting only 5% have applied.

Other contributors (1)
  • Liam Conlon Lab Beckenham and Penge

    Calls for an indefinite capital disregard to protect survivors’ benefits. Mentions a survivor from the north of England who received compensation but fears losing her means-tested benefits. Cites precedents such as arrangements for 7/7 London bombings victims and Windrush compensation scheme. Pays tribute to organisations supporting mother and baby home survivors, including Rosa at Irish in Britain, Sean and team at the London Irish Centre, and others. Highlights Philomena Lee's role in bringing injustice to global attention.

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