Infected Blood Compensation Scheme

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Question

What are the next steps for victims who have already contacted their local MP about interim payments? How will they receive these funds?

Minister reply

We expect that claimants will be able to make a claim under the scheme from summer 2023 onwards, with final payments starting before the end of this year. Interim payments are being made available for those who may not live long enough to receive full compensation and these payments will commence within 90 days.

Emma Hardy Lab

Kingston upon Hull East

Question

Will the Government publish a timeline for implementing other recommendations, such as those regarding memorials?

Minister reply

The Government is committed to addressing all 12 of Sir Brian Langstaff’s recommendations in full and we will respond to them as quickly as possible. The memorialisation aspect will be considered alongside all others.

Graham Jones Lab

Hyndburn

Question

What measures are in place for tracing people who have not yet come forward?

Minister reply

The Government is working closely with charities and support groups to ensure that everyone affected by the scandal knows about the compensation scheme. We will also provide guidance on how individuals can find out if they qualify.

Ian Paisley DUP

North Antrim

Question

How will the Infected Blood Compensation Authority ensure it is independent and trusted by those affected?

Minister reply

The authority will be an arm’s length body from Government, ensuring its independence. The interim chief executive officer has already been appointed and we have welcomed Sir Robert Francis as interim chair to bring his experience and expertise.

Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab

Torfaen

Question

Welcomes further interim payments and the appointment of an interim chair. Acknowledges that time is of essence, one victim dies every four days, and seeks more detail on how personal representatives will be handled as part of the scheme.

Minister reply

Thanked for his collegiate tone and constructive approach. Agreed to continue dialogue with victims, pleased Sir Robert Francis agreed to take on role and meet to explain compensation study findings. No budget restrictions on paying final payments when due. Will engage communities meaningfully in June, inform regulations within three months after Victims and Prisoners Bill receives Royal Assent.

Peter Bottomley

Question

Hopes Minister will put forward a national health service passport for those infected to avoid repeated questioning on medical visits. Acknowledges the work done by Ministers and civil servants, including Sue Grey.

Minister reply

Acknowledged his constructive engagement over six months. Stigma endured by victims is reflected in injury and social impact under scheme. Will discuss better awareness of some conditions with ministerial colleagues. Noted contribution from Paymasters General and officials. Emphasised need for appropriate framework to assist communities receiving significant sums without destructive effect.

Chris Stephens SNP

Glasgow North East

Question

Echos the Minister's statement on Sir Robert Francis' appointment and asks if he will meet with the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia. He inquires about the composition of the board, ensuring proper representation for affected individuals, and asks about interim payments and access to existing schemes for hepatitis B patients.

Minister reply

The Minister acknowledges Stephens' points and confirms full engagement with communities is critical. He discusses technical issues around hepatitis B access and explains that the £210,000 figure was chosen to ensure accurate payment while balancing efficiency and responsible stewardship of taxpayers’ money.

Steve Brine Con

Winchester

Question

Commends the Minister’s statement and asks about the financial loss award in relation to specific burdens like life insurance for infected blood victims.

Minister reply

The Minister responds that while social impact and autonomy categories cover some aspects of this, Jonathan Montgomery's team is assessing entitlements and such conversations will continue with affected communities.

Diana R. Johnson Lab

Kingston upon Hull North

Question

Welcomes the Minister’s statement but raises concerns about transparency in the expert panel advising on the scheme, lack of a response to Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendations, and accountability for the compensation authority.

Minister reply

The Minister acknowledges these points and confirms that names of those advising will be released shortly. He discusses the need for an arm’s length body to generate trust with affected communities while ensuring accountability through regulations.

Jackie Doyle-Price Con

Thurrock

Question

Describes the Department's handling as 'grubby' and calls for a duty of candour for civil servants advising Ministers, highlighting the importance of holding the Executive accountable.

Minister reply

The Minister agrees with the need to improve how we behave in government, listens to Sir Brian's observations about how government operates, and commits to careful consideration of these insights.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Question

Welcomes the statement and asks if involving infected blood campaign organisations will ensure adherence to recommendations.

Minister reply

Agrees that engagement with Scottish campaign groups is necessary. Highlights ongoing conversations in June to inform regulations.

David Davis Con

Goole and Pocklington

Question

Supports the call for rapid payment of compensation and asks if the Minister will expand a clause in the Victims and Prisoners Bill to include a legally enforceable duty of candour.

Minister reply

Acknowledges points but believes moving forward quickly on this matter would not be appropriate. Urges engagement with PACAC to ensure complete response.

Ian Byrne Lab

Liverpool West Derby

Question

Pays tribute to victims and campaigners, criticises the state for covering up wrongdoing, and urges action on the Hillsborough law.

Minister reply

Respects points about Hillsborough but states that remarks are focused on compensation scheme. Acknowledges need to address wider issues of public inquiries.

Caroline Nokes Con

Romsey and Southampton North

Question

Asks for assurance regarding Lord Mayor Treloar College’s involvement in experiments, including potential breaches of the Helsinki declaration.

Minister reply

Acknowledges concerns raised about Treloar College. States that government will examine implications carefully to avoid future occurrences.

Jessica Morden Lab

Newport East

Question

Pays tribute to campaigners and victims, including Lin and the Smith family, urging prompt implementation of recommendations.

Minister reply

Assures that government has heard pleas for compensation. Sets out timetable with interim payments of £210,000.

Paul Bristow

Peterborough

Question

Asks about confidence in the scheme capturing all affected individuals and ensuring everyone who should be compensated comes forward.

Minister reply

Confident that the scheme will work efficiently, emphasising speed of processing applications.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Question

Welcomes quick action but urges for criminal charges against those involved in shameful practices.

Minister reply

Acknowledges need to isolate who knew what and when, ensuring appropriate courses of action are taken.

Jeremy Wright Con

Kenilworth and Southam

Question

Urges for continued monitoring of the process to ensure smooth operation.

Minister reply

Agrees that swift payment is imperative, emphasising prioritisation of groups suffering most.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

Question

Does the Minister understand that a public advocate is needed to support victims and prevent future scandals? When does he expect all payments to be made?

Minister reply

The hon. Lady's suggestion of a public advocate will be considered as part of the wider response to the report. Interim payments of £210,000 for the infected alive will start in summer and be completed within 90 days. Full payments are expected by the end of this year.

Kit Malthouse Con

North West Hampshire

Question

Can the Minister reassure that there will be adequate resource provision for Sir Robert Francis's organisation to ensure quick decision-making?

Minister reply

Sir Robert and the interim chief executive will iteratively work up plans to expedite delivery, asserting needed resources for quick decisions. The Government will prioritise swift delivery.

Philippa Whitford

Question

Will the Minister ensure that the wishes of the infected blood community are listened to and no one will be worse off due to changes in compensation?

Minister reply

The commitment is made to integrate existing support schemes, and no one will be worse off. The sensitivity of the communities' needs will determine the form of regulations for the scheme.

Robert Buckland

Question

Can the Minister assure that Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendations will be responded to within 12 months, ensuring his role is fulfilled swiftly?

Minister reply

Today’s announcements and forthcoming documents will constitute substantive responses. The Government will consider formalisation carefully to bring clarity.

Kevan Jones

Question

Will the Minister pay individual claimants' legal bills, provide financial advice, and ensure tariffs are set appropriately?

Minister reply

Tariffs have been set up with expert input without financial constraints. Safeguards against unscrupulous claims will be put in place while expediting qualified claims. Legal and financial support is at the top of my mind.

Kieran Mullan Con

Bexhill and Battle

Question

What work is being done to ensure accountability for those responsible for the scandal?

Minister reply

The issue goes beyond compensation, but full examination of conduct is necessary. Debate after Whitsun will provide an opportunity to address these matters appropriately.

Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem

Orkney and Shetland

Question

Will the Minister meet him along with other MPs and victims affected by a Ponzi scheme to see what can be done for them?

Minister reply

The right hon. Gentleman should address his question to my colleague in the Treasury, as jurisdiction issues of the FCA may apply.

Chloe Smith Con

Norwich North

Question

The MP expresses gratitude for the minister's work and mentions constituents affected by the scandal. She asks for clarity on support schemes due to change, urging the Government to bring forward regulations as soon as possible.

Minister reply

The Minister acknowledges the traumatised experiences of many people and confirms that the government will submit to a three-month obligation from Royal Assent to bring forward regulations. The aim is to do this in the most timely way but also meaningfully engage with Sir Robert Francis.

Ben Bradshaw Lab

Exeter

Question

The MP suggests that permanent secretaries should report on outstanding recommendations from previous inquiries to reduce future similar issues. He praises Sir Robert Francis for his previous work.

Minister reply

The Minister thanks the right hon. Gentleman and expresses willingness to seek advice to address the challenge of implementing outstanding recommendations, aiming to provide an update at the next opportunity.

Selaine Saxby Con

North Devon

Question

A constituent of the MP, Paul Jewels from Braunton, contracted hepatitis C after a blood transfusion during chemotherapy in 1983. The MP asks for assurance that compensation will be rapid and simple.

Minister reply

The Minister confirms that the Government is driven to make progress on ensuring rapid and simple compensation processes, with more detail expected in coming months.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda

Question

The MP criticises the repeated institutional failures over decades regarding infected blood scandal and suggests reforms including a legally enforceable duty of candour for all civil servants.

Minister reply

The Minister agrees that there are flaws in how various institutions operate, as depicted by Sir Brian Langstaff's report. The Government will respond to these challenges appropriately.

Mary Robinson Con

Croydon North

Question

Welcoming the statement, the MP asks for legislative changes to ensure openness and transparency in public sector institutions.

Minister reply

The Minister agrees that there is a need to address flaws depicted in Sir Brian Langstaff's report and commits to responding comprehensively.

Patrick Grady Lab

North Glasgow

Question

The MP recognises the valuable work of campaign groups like Joyce Donnelly from the Scottish Infected Blood Forum. He asks if their effort will be taken into account in compensation calculations.

Minister reply

Acknowledging Joyce's contribution, the Minister states that speed and comprehensiveness are key aims for compensating victims as quickly as possible.

Rehman Chishti Con

Gillingham East

Question

The MP expresses gratitude to campaigners like Colin Midgeley, asking for wide qualification tests and quick compensation.

Minister reply

The Minister assures the hon. Friend that speed is essential, confirming alignment on getting assessments done quickly and comprehensively.

Barbara Keeley Lab

Worsley and Eccles South

Question

I represent five individuals or families infected or affected by the NHS infected blood scandal, highlighting specific cases of constituents who faced significant hardships due to contaminated blood products. Can I ask the Paymaster General to clarify what sum has been allocated for compensation? What is the size of the package? Will it be open-ended?

Minister reply

I thank Barbara Keeley for her points and confirm that interim payments of £210,000 will be paid within 90 days starting this summer. Full payments will start by the end of the calendar year. The Government has committed to paying whatever it costs, but exact numbers are not yet finalized due to ongoing work on severity bandings and tariffs.

Robin Walker Con

Telford

Question

Welcoming the commitment to pay whatever it costs, Robin Walker asks for assurance that the compensation process will move as swiftly as possible. He also suggests learning from the Northern Ireland victims' compensation scheme and engaging closely with Robert Francis.

Minister reply

My hon. Friend's points are wise and sensible. A 'Dear colleague' letter is being sent out to all MPs, and there will be attempts to move things forward quickly using cross-party consensus.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Question

Liz Saville-Roberts raises concerns about the need for more details on how legislation relating to duty of candour will be brought forward, mentioning specific individuals affected by Professor Arthur Bloom's influence.

Minister reply

The Government recognises the importance of addressing this matter quickly and properly. A debate is planned sometime after Whitsun to outline policy terms on how these issues can be addressed.

Siobhan Baillie Con

South West Bedfordshire

Question

Praising the Minister's statement, Siobhan Baillie highlights difficulties in implementing such a complex compensation scheme and asks for confirmation that community voices will continue to be heard by the arm’s length body.

Minister reply

I am committed to ensuring that the communities' voices are heard. We aim to deliver this efficiently and address any issues promptly, including benefits and tax disregards.

Rachael Maskell Lab/Co-op

York Central

Question

Rachael Maskell emphasises the need for transparency and accountability in Government's response. She asks about co-producing outcomes of recommendations with those affected.

Minister reply

The arm’s length body will have sufficient distance from Government to give confidence to communities, ensuring meaningful influence on wider issues.

Jason McCartney Con

Colne Valley

Question

Welcoming the statement and highlighting specific victims, Jason McCartney asks if there will be no time limits at all for when victims start applying for compensation.

Minister reply

There will be a review after three years to look at the lifespan of the arm’s length body. No unnecessary artificial cut-off points will be set, but we need an organisation fit for purpose.

Catherine West Lab

Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Question

Paying tribute to Della Ryness and Ruth Spellman for their long-standing efforts, Catherine West also asks about any potential criminal convictions or manslaughter charges.

Minister reply

I pay tribute to the work of Della and Ruth. Regarding criminal charges, I am not in a position to comment now but will examine the report fully at a future point.

Caroline Ansell Con

Thanet South

Question

Welcomed the Paymaster General’s statement and paid tribute to campaigners, including one constituent who lost her job due to financial fragility caused by the scandal. Asked if a financially fragile individual qualifies for compensation under multiple measures.

Minister reply

Confirmed that affected individuals will be able to claim in their own right based on qualification criteria from infected individuals and estates. Stressed the importance of an appeal mechanism.

Florence Eshalomi Lab/Co-op

Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Question

Raised the case of Nigel Winborne, a victim of infected blood who developed health issues like renal failure and liver cirrhosis. Asked for expedited compensation timeline as it is too late for some victims.

Minister reply

Expressed condolences to Nigel's family and stated efforts are being made to expedite payments despite the complexity.

Tom Hunt LD

Chippenham

Question

Welcomed statements on infected blood scandal, cited long-term campaigning of a constituent. Questioned about transparency and accountability in public services.

Minister reply

Confirmed that transparency and accountability will be key tenets moving forward to prevent such failures from happening again.

Paul Girvan DUP

Lagan Valley

Question

Asked for a timeline for implementing Sir Brian’s 12 recommendations across Departments, questioned the delay in initiating an inquiry.

Minister reply

Stated that a debate on the report will occur soon after Whitsun but could not provide a specific implementation timeline due to complexity.

Holly Mumby-Croft Lab

Bolton West

Question

Asked about tracing and supporting victims who may not be registered with support organisations or listed in inquiries.

Minister reply

Emphasised the importance of accessibility and straightforward verification processes for those who qualify. Plans to address this through meaningful engagement.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab

Brighton, Kemptown

Question

Paid tribute to a constituent and asked about potential minimum payment amount, clarification on 90-day timeline, and public inquiry reform.

Minister reply

Advised that £210,000 is the largest sum comfortable for interim payments. Payments will begin within 90 days in summer but exact date not specified. Public inquiries reform to be discussed further.

Paul Howell Con

Sedgefield

Question

Thanked Prime Minister and Paymaster General for their efforts, echoed calls for urgent progress.

Minister reply

Reaffirmed commitment to deliver compensation scheme as quickly as possible and address cultural challenges within government.

Caroline Lucas Green

Brighton, Pavilion

Question

I pay tribute to all those who fought so hard for justice for so long. It is impossible to imagine the pain and harm done to so many, including to some of my Brighton constituents who have shared with me their deeply harrowing stories. The setting up of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority is very welcome, and I echo those who have called for the body to be made accountable to Parliament, but will the Government consider going further and potentially setting up an independent body to monitor and follow up all such recommendations and inquiries? Without such a mechanism, without such a body, there is a risk of a significant accountability gap, because no one is directly charged with the effective oversight of the implementation of all these recommendations.

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Lady for her representations. That is certainly something that needs to be carefully considered in the context of all that Sir Brian has said. One of the challenges on accountability is when recommendations made outside this place encounter the need for delivery. Sometimes that means that things have to be done slightly differently, but they meet the spirit of the recommendations. We need to make sure that, in the accountability mechanism, there is sufficient scope to recognise that challenge, otherwise we will be in a position of making false judgments. The spirit of what the hon. Lady says needs to be taken forward, and the Government need to reflect on that thoughtfully.

Andrew Slaughter Lab

Hammersmith and Chiswick

Question

In 2010, my then constituent Andrew March, a victim of contaminated blood since the age of nine, succeeded in a judicial review that found that payment of compensation by the UK Government was flawed. He said: “We hope that the Government will now consider the whole issue of compensating those so tragically affected by the contaminated blood disaster, instead of making token, derisory, ex-gratia payments.” It has taken a further 14 years for Government to follow the lead of the courts, and now the inquiry, in calling for justice for Andrew and the thousands of other victims. From 2010 we attended countless meetings, debates and briefings, and heard warm words from a succession of Health Ministers. Nothing happened for years, then matters proceeded at a glacial pace. What mechanism will be enforced to ensure that the scheme announced today is implemented with rigour and urgency?

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. We can go back to the Governments of Heath, Callaghan, Wilson, Thatcher, Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron and Theresa May; all of them come under criticism. Theresa May initiated a public inquiry with significant input from numbers of people across the House. We on the Government side have all been clear that we wish things had happened sooner, but I am doing everything I can to move this forward today, and I am resisting any attempt to politicise it. The hon. Gentleman makes points about accountability. We have an obligation within three months of Royal Assent to make regulations that will activate the arm’s length body. We have a shadow entity in place, an interim CEO and an interim chair, and engagement is planned for the coming days, with 20 people to be employed by the end of next week. I will continue to work with anyone and everyone across the House to ensure that we meet expectations.

Stuart McDonald

Question

There was much to welcome in what the Minister said today, but can I take him back to the issue of existing support schemes, which are of course incredibly important for so many? In the second interim report, recommendation 13 says that “current annual payments under the support schemes should be continued…and guaranteed for life” and that such payments should only be taken into account “in assessing awards for future financial loss or care provision”. It was not immediately clear to me that what the Minister said today is consistent with that recommendation and its implementation. Could he provide that clarity now, because this is very important for people listening?

Minister reply

Yes I absolutely can—I have been very clear about the Government’s continuing commitment on existing support schemes. However, there is a point at which the assessment for compensation entitlement is made under the new scheme, and there will be an interaction with schemes that have come before. Options will then be set out. I want to provide reassurance on that today; the detail of how that will work out must be done with the consent and approval of the communities involved.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberafan Maesteg

Question

I want to build on a point made by my right hon. Friend the Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) earlier about the risk of unscrupulous financial advisers swooping in. It is appalling even to think that it might be possible, but we have a lot of experience of that from dealing with the British Steel pension scheme, and I would be happy to discuss any of those lessons learned with the Minister. My constituent David Farrugia tragically lost his father 40 years ago due to this appalling scandal. Can I press the Minister for more detail on the specifics of how the scheme will work for bereaved children and parents of victims? How and when will they be able to register for compensation?

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. We have previously engaged on the British Steel matter and the unscrupulous exploitation of people moving from defined benefit to defined contribution schemes. That is at the top of my mind and I am applying it to my consideration of these matters. The hon. Gentleman asked about his constituent David and bereaved children. The principle is that affected and infected individuals qualify in their own right. The passporting of affected individuals to qualify, based on the infected and the estates of infected, is clear. The details of how that process will happen will become very clear very quickly. We will make resources available through a website, and people can register for updates so that they can receive them as quickly as they wish.

Andrew Bridgen

Question

I would like to pay tribute to my constituent Robert Angwin, who has campaigned for justice for himself and all others who have been affected by this scandal for decades. Yesterday and today, from both sides of the House we have heard the line, “Lessons have been learned. Action will be taken.” I imagine that that is exactly what we would have heard if we were here in 1972 when the thalidomide scandal broke. Since then, we have had OxyContin, Vioxx and Primodos—the list goes on and on, all the way to the experimental covid-19 vaccines today. Does the Minister agree that the only real lesson that has been learned has been learned by the public—that they cannot trust any Government to protect them from unsafe medicines and treatments? Crimes have been committed. It is a crime to cover up a crime. When are the arrests going to start? If they have to include current and former Members of this House, so be it.

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. Sir Robert makes clear some very profound challenges to the British state that need a profound response from Government, and that will happen in due course.

Hannah Bardell

Question

My constituent Linda Cannon lost her husband after he received a blood transfusion that infected him with hepatitis C. My constituent Vera Gaskin has stage 2 chronic cirrhosis of the liver from contaminated blood. She spends her life explaining that she is not an alcoholic. What guidance or comfort does the Minister have for my constituents that anybody overseeing compensation and justice will be fully transparent and will not end up in the mess in which the expert panel of the Primodos scandal ended up? Will the Minister give a cast-iron guarantee that the general election due to be held this year will not delay any part of this process? We cannot have a situation where the structures and procedures of this place, which have so long protected those in power and allowed them to do harm, will thwart the justice in progress for all our constituents.

Minister reply

The hon. Lady makes a powerful representation on behalf of Linda, Vera and so many others. I can assure her that speed is of the essence. In all circumstances I am trying to move forward, with the will of the House as it is. I cannot account for when electoral events will be triggered, but I can say that the points about sensitivity to the individual experience and the stigma and trauma associated with engaging with officialdom in all aspects need to be properly addressed through the way that the arm’s length body is operated.

Clive Lewis Lab

Norwich South

Question

I want to put on record the tenacity of my constituent Steve Bartram, a victim of the blood scandal. He contracted hepatitis when he was seven after being experimented on. He was driven out of his home because people believed that he had an infectious disease and had to be run out. He then came to my constituency. I say to the Minister that Steve welcomes what has been said but is anxious, like thousands of others, that it will not work out. I guess he could look at a compensation scheme like the one for the Windrush scandal, where less than 10% of those who are owed compensation have received anything. Steve and many others, with good reason, are extremely anxious that the Government will follow through on this. Can the Minister ensure that they do?

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. It is a reasonable characterisation that this is welcome but that there is anxiety. It is my job to meet that anxiety with practical steps that secure confidence in the passage to full delivery. I have set out those in some detail. There will be a number of documents that the hon. Gentleman can send to his constituents to support what I have said, as can all colleagues across the House. I hope that will be helpful and informative and will remove some of the anxiety that exists.

Drew Hendry

Question

It is vital that we not only thank the campaigners who have struggled through pain and loss to get to this situation but appreciate the deep public service they have carried out in exposing this outrageous scandal. Although I welcome what seems to be a comprehensive statement on compensation today, this scandal has gone on too long and should be concluded quickly for compensation to be paid. However, that is only part of the issue of justice for the campaigners. I appreciate what the Minister said about his ability to talk about future events, but will he at least commit his Government to the principle of ensuring that those involved in deliberate cover-up, adding to delay and suffering and causing death, will face justice themselves?

Minister reply

I cannot speak for the collective will of Government, but the hon. Gentleman makes a completely reasonable and logical case. I support the principles in what he says. We need to respond the report’s recommendations specifically, coherently and in full, and that is what we will do in due course.

Emma Lewell-Buck Lab

South Shields

Question

Yesterday’s apology and the compensation announced today is the beginning of justice for the thousands of lives lost and ruined. The Minister will know that Sir Brian Langstaff found “downright deception” and “an attitude of denial”, and that he was clear that the scandal has been no accident. Public service is an honour that comes with great responsibility. Individuals and organisations have failed in that responsibility and betrayed that honour. I heard the Minister’s earlier responses, but will he at least indicate to us when the Government will express a view on criminal charges?

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Lady for her powerful representation on that matter. I cannot give her a categorical assurance, but by setting out the clear opportunity to discuss the report in its different dimensions, hopefully in a few weeks’ time, I hope we will start that process. Other Ministers will lead on some of the matters and where the evidence leads us will determine our options, but she speaks for many hon. Members across the House when she says that these are serious matters that need a serious response from different elements of Government.

Helen Morgan Lib Dem

North Shropshire

Question

I want to acknowledge three of my constituents who have been in touch over the past few weeks: one lost her brother and her cousin as a result of treatment for haemophilia; and two, including Karen Pearce, have suffered lifelong health problems as a result of being infected. I have been in this place for rather less time than many of my colleagues—less than two and a half years—but, just in that short period, I am struck by the number of scandals involving huge institutional cover-ups. I echo the comment, made by colleagues from all parties, that we must have a duty of candour, because we will repeat mistakes again and again until we have that.

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Lady for point about a duty of candour, which several hon. Members have made. The Government will reflect very carefully and respond in due course.

Clive Efford Lab

Eltham

Question

I welcome the Paymaster General’s statement, but many of us have been coming here for the past year asking for a response to Sir Brian Langstaff’s interim report from last April. We have been told that the Government are moving at pace, but there is no evidence of that, even with today’s statement. Sir Brian Langstaff has made some clear recommendations about how he wants oversight of the recommendations going forward. That must involve the victims, because that is why we are here today. The victims, who have doggedly and determinedly demanded that they have justice in this affair, have brought us to this point, where the Paymaster General is making a statement, and they must have oversight of how we respond to Sir Brian Langstaff’s report, just as the House must have. Members from across the House have been trying to hold the Government to account. The Horizon scheme has an advisory body to oversee compensation, which includes hon. Members from this House and the other place. Does the Minister envisage having a similar advisory body for this compensation scheme?

Minister reply

I do not think the hon. Gentleman can characterise what I have announced today as not making significant progress. I am not here to claim credit for it or to say what it is attributed to, other than the work of Sir Brian Langstaff and those who have campaigned. The immediate next steps will be the work of Sir Robert Francis—this is at the core of what I have said—to engage with the infected and affected community, and to define the regulations that the Government are rightly obliged to bring to the House within three months of the Bill receiving Royal Assent. The hon. Gentleman makes another point about how the House can be involved in the accountability of that arm’s length body. I am happy to reflect on that and come back at another point.

Dan Carden Lab

Liverpool Walton

Question

May I put on the record my absolute admiration for the victims, their families and loved ones throughout the process? I pay tribute to my constituent Susan Hallwood and her partner Dave McCall. Susan had three sons, all of whom had haemophilia. Two received contaminated blood, and both contracted HIV and died of AIDS: Brian aged 16, and Stephen aged nine. Susan gave evidence at the inquiry, and I thank her for doing so. It is right that they are receiving an apology and compensation, but of course that will never be enough. I ask the Minister to address the issue of individual accountability, for those culpable of doing wrong, and organisational accountability. What can he do to ensure this is not another example of compensation without accountability to add to Hillsborough, Windrush and other scandals we have seen?

Minister reply

The hon. Gentleman speaks powerfully about his constituents Susan and David and their family. He also makes the point that compensation by itself is clearly not enough. With respect to the wider accountability of institutions, hospitals and civil servants, and the interaction between civil servants, Government Ministers and the NHS, there is a lot of complexity about how we respond appropriately and thoughtfully, both on the cases taken together and individually. I hope he will respect what I am saying and that we can engage on this in the Chamber at a future point.

Peter Grant Con

North West Norfolk

Question

I was contacted this morning by a constituent who, to the best of my knowledge, has never come forward before; I am still trying to establish that. As a 12-year-old girl, she received a blood transfusion that was infected with hepatitis C. She has lived with that infection for 70 years, because she was infected not in the 1970s but in the 1950s. Will the Minister give an assurance that the compensation and other support that has been outlined today will be available to all victims, regardless of how long ago they were infected? Will he outline what he is doing to ensure that others, such as my constituent, do not miss out simply because they did not realise this applies to them?

Minister reply

The eligibility is clear: people who were infected by NHS blood, blood products and infected tissue qualify. The only challenge is how to verify that from records from a long time ago. However, such challenges can be met and we need to find ways of doing so.

Beth Winter Lab

Cynon Valley

Question

I pay tribute to all those infected and affected in my constituency of Cynon Valley, in Wales and beyond, in particular Lynne Kelly, the chair of Haemophilia Wales, who has campaigned tirelessly, over many decades, for justice. The inquiry’s compensation report recommended that an interim payment be made to “recognise the deaths of people to date unrecognised”, including to bereaved parents, children and siblings. The Minister met with Haemophilia Wales a fortnight ago and will be aware there are 28 such cases in Wales. In his statement he made reference to interim payments, but will he clarify that interim payments for previously unrecognised deaths, including those in Wales, will be made? Will he be specific about when individuals will receive those payments? Will they be paid through the Wales infected blood support scheme, or will they have to wait for the UK compensation scheme to be established?

Minister reply

The hon. Lady is right to pay tribute to Lynne Kelly, whom I met in Cardiff. To clarify, I have been talking about two interim payments. We have put one payment into legislation to provide £100,000 to the estates of the deceased infected, where previously they have not received that payment. We are working through how that will work with the infected blood support schemes. I cannot update the House on that at this moment because we are working with the schemes to determine that. The second interim payment for the living infected is £210,000, building on the £100,000 at the end of 2022. That will happen within 90 days, starting in the summer, and it will be given through the existing infected blood compensation scheme’s interim payments in order to expedite it as quickly as possible.

Pete Wishart SNP

Perth and Kinross-shire

Question

For more than 20 years, I have supported constituents caught up in this unprecedented scandal and tragedy. I wish to mention just two of them: Bill Wright, whom the Minister knows, who has led Haemophilia Scotland with such energy and enthusiasm for the past three decades; and Tricia Titheridge, who introduced me to the scandal back in 2001 when I was first elected. Unfortunately, she cannot be with us because she died of AIDS-related conditions in 2013. I wish to say well done to the Minister, because I think he has delivered. He has answered questions and reassured people genuinely well about some of the outstanding issues. I had suspected that I would be called last in this statement, so I will just say to him that he will know what is now required. I think he has the compensation side of it right, but it is the responsibility and accountability side of the equation that now has to be addressed. He has talked about a debate when we come back after Whitsun. He has hinted that other Departments will be looking at all of this, but we need to know what tangible effort and energy will be put into this to ensure that the people responsible are held to account for the decades of obfuscation, of not taking responsibility and for the lies that came to us as Members of Parliament from Ministers and officials. When will we hear about the solid action that will be taken to address all of this?

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind words, particularly his words about Bill Wright, whom I enjoyed meeting, and who has campaigned on this so hard and for so long. Bill and his colleagues engaged with me in a constructive way, asking me reasonable but tough questions, and I hope that I have answered some of those today. The hon. Gentleman draws me from the compensation to other elements, and I am frustrated that I cannot offer him more clarity today, but he puts on record the need for a substantive response on a number of other elements beyond compensation. He can be assured of my continuing commitment to deliver on that journey to full implementation of compensation, as I have set out.

Michael Shanks Lab

Rutherglen

Question

Twenty years ago, the late former chair of the Scottish Infected Blood Forum, Philip Dolan, said that there are more mountains to climb despite previous progress. The Minister's statement today suggests a final resolution but does not address transparency concerns regarding eligibility criteria, appeal processes, timelines and access to legal aid for appeals.

Minister reply

The existing compensation schemes will continue beyond 31 March 2025 with a process to shape future assessments led by Sir Robert Francis. The Government is committed to an iterative and constructive approach informed by the communities affected.

Deidre Brock

Question

Welcomes much of what the Minister has announced but expresses wariness due to past deceptions and delays. Asks if full transparency can be guaranteed in the deliberations of the arm’s length body and if appropriate governance would be achieved by including representatives from affected communities.

Minister reply

Confirms that they will work with all infected and affected communities, ensuring proper oversight so the new body is reliable and trustworthy.

Alison Thewliss

Question

Asks for clarity on eligibility criteria for interim payments to both living infected beneficiaries and estates of those who have passed away. Expresses concern that some might be excluded, which would be perverse given their suffering.

Minister reply

Offers to clarify the position for individual constituents through correspondence if the MP writes to him.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Question

Thanks the Government for its apology and compensation, praises the Minister's tone. Emphasises the need for safeguards to prevent similar medical experimental methods from being permitted in the future.

Minister reply

Acknowledges the challenge of ensuring transparency, dependency, and candour between civil servants, NHS, and Government.

Commons Sense

Infected Blood Compensation Scheme

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