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Infected Blood Inquiry
19 November 2024
Lead MP
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Employment
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Nick Thomas-Symonds raised concerns about infected blood inquiry in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The House is being updated on the progress made regarding the Infected Blood Inquiry report. The Government has committed to establishing a compensation scheme, with an allocation of £11.8 billion from the Chancellor for the fund, aiming to start payments by the end of the year. The Minister acknowledges the failings in patient safety and institutional defensiveness highlighted in Sir Brian Langstaff’s report and outlines commitments to ensure such injustices do not recur through legislative measures like a duty of candour law.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Questions the Government's acceptance of Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendation for complete independence and sole decision-making powers for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.
Alison Bennett
Lib Dem
Mid Sussex
Asks for assurances regarding the staffing and resources available to the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to meet expectations of swift payments.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Raises concerns about a constituent whose mother's medical records were destroyed, seeking reassurance that such cases will be properly handled by the compensation scheme.
Becky Gittins
Lab
Clwyd East
Inquires if the Infected Blood Compensation Authority is actively working to deliver payments to victims as soon as possible, referencing a constituent affected by hepatitis C from infected blood.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Made a statement regarding the House’s sub judice resolution, allowing for necessary references to specific legal proceedings related to contaminated blood products due to public interest.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Emphasised the severity of the infected blood scandal, describing it as a painful and shameful chapter in British history. He acknowledged the suffering caused by preventable infections due to contaminated blood products imported from overseas. The shadow minister praised victims and families for their tireless efforts which led to an inquiry established in 2017. He expressed support for the Government's ambition to make compensation payments before the end of the year, while also highlighting the need for stronger medical screening protocols and safety measures to prevent future incidents. Additionally, he called for improved training for healthcare professionals on ethical practices, patient consent, and the safe use of medical products. Wood urged the Government to destigmatise conditions like HIV and hepatitis through public education campaigns.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Mr Lavery emphasises the ongoing anger and frustration among victims of contaminated blood products who have not received adequate compensation or justice. He cites a case involving his constituent Sean Cavens, one of the youngest to contract hepatitis C through contaminated blood. The speaker expresses concerns about the rate at which claims are being processed and questions whether the Government is acting quickly enough. Lavery raises issues regarding the screening criteria, rates of compensation, and eligibility for siblings and family members affected by the victims' suffering.
Liz Jarvis
Lib Dem
Eastleigh
Ms Jarvis acknowledges the significant impact of contaminated blood on individuals like her constituent Gary Webster who contracted HIV/AIDS while at Treloar’s college. She supports the introduction of the compensation scheme but calls for urgent updates to policy, ensuring all affected persons with eligible claims receive due compensation even if they pass away during the application process. Jarvis also questions the government's commitment to pathogen inactivation technology and transparency about the progress of the scheme.
Michael Payne
Lab
Gedling
I am honoured to represent Gedling and will work tirelessly for my constituents, inspired by the values of education and democracy. I promise to support workers' rights and end miners’ pension injustice. My constituency is rich in history and community spirit, with a proud industrial heritage that powered this country's future.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Commends the hon. Member for Gedling (Michael Payne) for his maiden speech and acknowledges the work of his successor, the right hon. Member for Torfaen (Nick Thomas-Symonds). Pays tribute to victims and campaigners who have been relentless in their efforts. Mentions participating in 18 meetings with representatives from various groups across multiple cities over the course of a month, acknowledging their suffering and delivering sincere apologies on behalf of the British state. Acknowledges the challenges faced in determining compensation amounts and pays tribute to his predecessor, former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Dame Diana Johnson for their contributions. Highlights the establishment of a technical expert group under Sir Jonathan Montgomery to advise on the compensation scheme and the subsequent engagements with infected and affected communities led by Sir Robert Francis. Emphasises the importance of balancing speed and effective decision-making in verifying entitlements while ensuring payments reach those entitled. Acknowledges the recommendations made in Sir Brian Langstaff’s report, such as the national memorial and biannual meetings for duty of candour. Expresses concerns about public inquiries and suggests broadening expertise beyond retired High Court judges. Concludes by hoping that lessons are drawn from this scandal to prevent future occurrences.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Pays tribute to the hon. Member for Gedling for his maiden speech. Reminds the House of the tragic consequences of contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting that thousands were infected with HIV and hepatitis C due to negligence by clinicians and civil servants. Criticises the lack of involvement of victims in the decision-making process as recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff's report. Raises concerns about the death rate among victims and calls for guaranteed independence in administering compensation. Expresses frustration over the exclusion of victims from the advisory panel, the handling of the rule on siblings aged 18 at the time of their sibling’s death, and the compensation offered to former pupils of Treloar school. Cites criticism by the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee regarding the lack of clarity in the scheme's implementation.
Torfaen
Defends the government's efforts, noting an extensive consultation exercise during the general election campaign which led to 69 out of 74 recommendations being accepted. Recommends that Clive Efford, as chair of the APPG, meets with Sir Robert Francis and David Foley to discuss involvement of the infected blood community.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Supports Clive Efford's point that representatives from affected communities want to be consulted properly as regulations are designed going forward. Criticises the minister's sensitivity regarding proper consultation with these groups.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
The MP emphasised the importance of community engagement in the compensation schemes, criticised the current setup of IBCA as not being truly independent from the Government, highlighted several issues with the compensation scheme including low payouts for unethical research victims and concerns about hepatitis C payment bandings. He also stressed the need to understand why the scandal occurred.
Will Stone
Lab
Swindon North
Expressed gratitude to colleagues for their efforts in seeking justice for infected blood victims. Shared the tragic story of Jean Anziani who contracted hepatitis B from a cut while at work as a nurse and passed away 13 days later, leaving her family without acknowledgment or compensation under current support schemes.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Described the infected blood scandal as one of the worst injustices in national history, affecting thousands who contracted HIV or hepatitis viruses. Highlighted the particularly tragic impact on East Hampshire due to Treloar’s school and its haemophilia centre that became a concentration point for victims. Raised concerns about delays and information sources for compensation claims, requested clarity and assurances from the Minister regarding compensation amounts and memorialisation.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Stressed the importance of remembering individuals behind public scandals, highlighting stories of courage and humility among victims and their families. Asked the Minister to outline timelines for laying second set of regulations before Parliament, mechanisms for involving victims in progress updates, and guidance on making claims.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
The speaker acknowledges the size of the issue and pays tribute to victims. He supports the Government's commitment to continue the work started by the previous government, including the establishment of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and delivering payments by the end of the year. The speech emphasises the importance of trust in the state and calls for continued efforts to strengthen medical screening protocols, safety measures, and risk assessment across health services.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Minister apologises for the infected blood scandal, acknowledges past failures, highlights efforts to prevent future harm, outlines compensation measures (£1 billion), and commits to further action based on Sir Brian Langstaff's inquiry recommendations. Emphasises the need for open communication and accountability within government.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Raises concerns about the inherent distrust of state processes among victims, specifically Brendan who lost his leg due to hepatitis C infection during a surgery. Asks the Minister to reassure Brendan that compensation offers will include detailed breakdowns.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Questions the similarity between the infected blood scandal and other scandals, such as the Post Office scandal, where victims faced denial and cover-up from the state. Asks if there are plans to educate bureaucracy on handling difficult situations.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
Represents Northern Ireland constituents impacted by the scandal, asks for a duty of candour to be rolled out across the UK to prevent future similar impacts.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asks about inconsistencies in compensation for siblings affected by the scandal and requests clarification on the value assigned to different family members.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Questions whether IBCA will be directly accountable to Parliament as envisaged, similar to the National Audit Office.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Reiterates Clive Efford's point about direct accountability of IBCA to Parliament rather than Government.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Endorses the Minister's decision on setting up IBCA with operational independence and acknowledges that not every entity will have a bespoke arrangement.
Hayes and Harlington
Mr John Martin McDonnell raised a point of order to urge the Foreign Secretary to respond to concerns about Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a British citizen imprisoned in Egypt for human rights campaigning. He expressed fear for Laila’s life, Mr el-Fattah’s mother who is on hunger strike for 50 days.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Ms Judith Cummins stated that the matter raised by John Martin McDonnell is not a point of order but that he has placed his concerns on record in the hearing of the Foreign Office.
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