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Infected Blood Inquiry Update
19 April 2023
Lead MP
Jeremy Quin
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Employment
Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
Jeremy Quin raised concerns about infected blood inquiry update in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Government welcomes the publication of the infected blood inquiry’s second interim report and acknowledges its significant work on a complex issue. The Minister expresses appreciation for Sir Brian Langstaff's approach in issuing an interim report specifically on compensation, though it was not anticipated by the Government. Work is underway across relevant Departments to respond fully to the recommendations outlined in the report. The statement highlights the commitment to addressing the contaminated blood scandal since 2017 and the establishment of a compensation framework study by Sir Robert Francis KC. Interim payments of £100,000 have been made to those affected. The minister emphasises the complexity of the issue, mentioning the proposed compensation mechanism including legal support for victims and their families, as well as redress through an appeal structure outside the scheme. He notes differences with Sir Robert's study on local versus central delivery of the scheme and eligibility criteria. The Government acknowledges the need for careful consideration of these complexities, particularly regarding accountability and financial implications. However, the minister assures that every recommendation is receiving intense focus to ensure a prompt response.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Does the Minister agree with Sir Brian’s statement that time without redress is harmful and can he confirm whether work is underway to establish the scheme this year as recommended?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the complexity of the report's recommendations but reiterates his commitment to working at pace across relevant Departments to consider these thoroughly. He does not provide a direct confirmation on establishing the scheme this year.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
How can the Minister provide more reassurance for family members of victims, including parents who lost children and orphaned children?
Minister reply
The minister reiterates his commitment to working at pace but does not offer specific reassurances for affected families beyond acknowledging their concerns.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Can the Minister confirm whether officials are already verifying and registering directly affected people and their families urgently?
Minister reply
The minister does not provide a direct confirmation but emphasises ongoing work to consider Sir Brian's recommendations thoroughly.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Will the Minister commit to more regular updates on progress and direction of travel ahead of the inquiry’s final report?
Minister reply
The minister reiterates his commitment to working at pace but does not offer a specific commitment to regular updates.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Will the Paymaster General agree to meet the shadow Minister and the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to work together on delivering justice?
Minister reply
The minister does not provide a direct commitment but expresses an ongoing commitment to working at pace.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Paid tribute to victims and their families, highlighted the need for action based on Sir Brian’s recommendation that time without redress is harmful. Asked if the Minister agrees with this statement, whether 'intense focus' means setting up the scheme now, and requested more reassurance for family members of victims. Also asked about the verification and registration processes and called for regular updates on progress.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of Sir Brian’s recommendation but stated that while work is focused on ensuring resolution at the conclusion of the inquiry, action can be taken earlier if possible. Mentioned that registration would require time as it needs to understand the scale of affected individuals and families. Committed to regular updates and meetings with shadow officials.
Question
Cited Sir Brian’s report stating 'time without redress is harmful' and suggested that delays mean people are passing away. Asked if the Government will make ex gratia payments statutory.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Sir Brian’s comment about time without redress being harmful but emphasised the need to work at pace for progress. Noted that the recommendation to put ongoing ex gratia payments on a statutory basis or receive strong government commitment is under serious consideration.
Question
Expressed gratitude for the statement and reiterated the tragic nature of the scandal, emphasising the need for immediate action based on Sir Brian’s recommendations. Asked if interim compensation payments will be widened without delay and when an independent chair for the compensation system will be appointed.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the recommendation for a central body to deliver compensation and expressed willingness to consider all suggestions from the report. Suggested that mechanisms exist to appoint individuals on an interim basis prior to formal constitution of the arm’s length body if such recommendations are accepted.
Question
Asked for a commitment from the Minister to return to the House before summer break with updates on progress towards implementing Sir Brian’s recommendations. Suggested setting up a register for potential claimants and emphasised the need for action as endorsed by former Health Secretaries.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the suggestion of early updates and stated willingness to return before the summer break to provide further information. Mentioned that registration would be required if recommendation on interim payments is accepted.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
Thanking the Minister for his statement, Diana questions why there isn't enough political will to deliver justice given the clear recommendations by Sir Brian Langstaff for compensation.
Minister reply
Jeremy Quin acknowledges the complexity of the situation and emphasises the need to act at pace while ensuring that any scheme is effective and properly implemented.
Question
Matthew asks Jeremy to reiterate the moral case for compensation as it has effectively bound the Government to act.
Minister reply
Jeremy confirms the moral obligation but emphasises the need for a detailed and comprehensive approach to ensure that any scheme is effective.
Question
Philippa, reflecting on her medical career since 1980, presses Jeremy about when registration of bereaved parents and children will start under the new framework.
Minister reply
Jeremy states that while there is no dispute over what Sir Brian recommends, he cannot commit to a timeline until detailed work has been completed.
Question
Mike expresses concern about delays and asks Jeremy if the Government understands the scepticism of victims due to past delays.
Minister reply
Jeremy acknowledges the long-term nature of the scandal but emphasises that a thorough report by Sir Brian needs detailed consideration.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Clive asks Jeremy about when he will return to the House with more substantive updates on the compensation scheme.
Minister reply
Jeremy confirms his intention to return to the House but emphasises that detailed work needs to be completed before a substantive response can be provided.
Question
James urges the Government to urgently design the compensation scheme and engage with victims.
Minister reply
Jeremy agrees on the need for urgent engagement and understanding of victim expectations, emphasising Sir Brian’s efforts in this regard.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Christine expresses frustration over delays and urges for quicker action to ensure families receive compensation.
Minister reply
Jeremy acknowledges the urgency but emphasises the need for an effective scheme that works appropriately.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Mark inquires about potential delays due to differences of opinion on how compensation may be delivered and requests quicker interim payments.
Minister reply
Jeremy assures that differences will not cause undue delay, emphasising the need for a thorough review before any further consultation.
Question
My constituent’s father died following an infected factor VIII treatment. The family did not feel that they could grieve openly because of the stigma around HIV and AIDS at the time of his death. My constituent has told me that although a compensation payment would not bring back their father, it would finally give the family a sense of closure. Does the Minister accept the symbolic importance of compensation payments? Will the Government now commit to including children who have lost a parent in the scope of the compensation scheme, as recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff?
Minister reply
One of the worst of the many dreadful aspects of the scandal is the stigma to which the hon. Lady refers. We are working at pace to go through Sir Brian’s report thoroughly and will produce our response when we have had a chance to do so. I am not in a position to make piecemeal comments on his recommendations.
Question
The length of the scandal can be summed up by the fact that my predecessor spent 18 years pursuing cases, and I have spent the last eight years pursuing the same cases. The Minister rightly says that there is work to be done following the recommendations, but what timescale has he set to prepare a response? What work has been done to prepare for the potential recruitment of people to deal with cases via the structure proposed?
Minister reply
Work was undertaken prior to the release of the second interim report. We are now working at pace to go through the changes and what the Government’s stance will be overall. The timeline is not set, but we are moving quickly. Regarding recruitment, no time should be lost in finding a route for good people with expertise to be brought into the process.
Question
The gut-wrenching truth of the matter is that people are decaying and dying while this Government dither and delay. For their benefit, so that they know he is fighting for them, can he confirm that the recommendations to widen the scope of the payment should be agreed? Will he fight for those compensation payments to be made this year?
Minister reply
It would be wrong to characterise the situation as one of no progress. The fact that Sir Brian Langstaff has produced a report is a huge step forward. We need to go through what he wrote, take decisions on it and come back to the House with our response.
Question
I welcome the Government’s clear determination to move faster towards a just resolution to this sad and terrible scandal. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that ongoing engagement with victims’ families will take place?
Minister reply
Most of us in our constituency capacities have been aware of the victims of this dreadful scandal. Through the APPG, I had the privilege of meeting representatives of those affected, and I am more than willing to do so again as we continue to progress our work.
Question
The Minister is absolutely correct—tens of thousands are fixed to their televisions today, expecting a resolution. However, they do not have time on their side: hundreds have already died and more are dying weekly. We need to ensure that the Government respond fully to this report and set out a clear timetable.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right—the victims continue to die. Sir Brian makes a comment in his second interim report that we do not know the full scale of the medical impact. Conditions are, in some cases, worsening. We must respond fully—we will do so when we have done the work required.
Question
The lack of urgency is undermining the good will of victims and their families, letting them down every day. How long will it be between accepting one of these points and implementing them? Would it not be easier to implement them now?
Minister reply
I can assure my hon. Friend that there is urgency in our response. The report was produced eight working days ago; we are working at pace to go through it, determine our view on all the recommendations, but do not necessarily preclude us taking individual steps between now and the conclusion of the inquiry.
Question
Please do not delay any longer. The Minister will say that it is complicated, as he said at the last statement. Bereaved families such as the Smiths in my constituency need interim payments now. Does the Minister really get that those who have waited years for justice and redress cannot afford to wait any longer?
Minister reply
I am familiar with the hon. Lady’s constituency case, which she has raised many times. I recognise the strength of feeling in the House and in the infected and affected communities. We are determined to be in the best possible place to respond when it concludes.
Question
Does the Minister accept that the uncertainty risks damaging people’s mental health? Can he set out a timetable for action, or does he have one in his head? Does he accept the principle of making interim payments to bereaved parents and children?
Minister reply
On the timetable, we are determined to be in the best possible place to respond when it concludes. We are working at pace to go through all the implications of the report. On the second point, we recognise the extremely strong case Sir Brian has made for a number of those affected, including carers who have given up a great deal.
Question
One of my constituents contracted hepatitis C from a botched blood bag in the 1980s. Her daughter wrote to me last year saying she is furious you decided to pay interim compensation after her mother could fight no longer, seven weeks after she died. Does the Minister think that is fair?
Minister reply
It was a significant and positive step forward that the Government accepted in full Sir Brian’s recommendation about those infected and bereaved partners and brought forward £100,000 of compensation paid last October. It is tragic individuals have missed out on this compensation because of their death between announcement and payment. We are not responding to her specific recommendation today but it is one we are working through.
Question
My constituent’s father died in England in the late 1970s, she tells me that she is his only surviving next of kin. Will the Minister confirm when my constituent will obtain compensation? What proof will be required to access it, given the notorious related scandal around medical records?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises an extremely good point about the evidence to be produced. Sir Brian has been clear that an appropriate approach must be taken and a compensation scheme established that does not preclude people who have no means of showing their eligibility due to factors beyond their control.
Question
The children of those lost due to the scandal feel particularly unseen and unheard. Can the Minister assure them that they will be a focus for the Government not only in recognising their loss but in delivering compensation payments through the scheme as a priority?
Minister reply
Children are a particularly harrowing aspect of the scandal. The Government is working through Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendations and continues to do so.
Question
Does the Minister accept that the longer it takes to implement compensation, the more complicated the process will become due to estates and surviving relatives? Do the Government recognise the need to confirm individuals who are due compensation and pay them as quickly as possible?
Minister reply
The Government is working through Sir Brian's report, including his specific recommendations about the eligibility of estates. The process is becoming more complicated but the Government wants to make progress towards resolution.
Question
['Will a young constituent who lost her father due to contaminated blood receive compensation?', 'How can it be that psychological research looking at support needs is only beginning now after all these years?']
Minister reply
["The details of the compensation scheme cannot be confirmed yet as the work on Sir Brian's report recommendations is ongoing.", 'Work is being undertaken to ensure there will be an appropriate tailored scheme for psychological support.']
Question
The Minister must not use reports to hide behind and kick the can down the road. There is cross-party support for interim measures, so why does he not get on with it?
Minister reply
The Government recognises the urgency and the need for pace but needs time to work through Sir Brian's report which was delivered only eight working days ago.
Question
Today’s statement is light on substance. There is no reason why the Government could not begin verifying and registering those affected now. Why are there further unnecessary delays?
Minister reply
The work needs to be done to ensure clarity for victims, but there will be no unnecessary delays.
Question
For a constituent named Brian Ross who received contaminated blood in the 1980s and is now susceptible to cancer, may I ask the Minister to make sure that nothing impedes a scheme for him?
Minister reply
The Government will do all work to ensure it comes back with a proper response.
Question
Is it not unreasonable to have a compensation scheme up and running by the end of this year as Sir Brian recommends?
Minister reply
Sir Brian believes that a scheme can be achieved by the end of the year, but we need to do the work and come back with our response.
Question
['Is it important for the compensation scheme to have independence?', 'Will the Government use information from current infected blood schemes to start registering and verifying those who will qualify?']
Minister reply
['The solution of having an arm’s length body separate from the Government is being considered.', 'Sir Brian recommends a new scheme that goes further than current infected blood schemes.']
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Paymaster General very much for his statement. I especially commend the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Dame Diana Johnson) for her dogged determination at every stage: every one of us whose constituents have suffered because of contaminated blood owes her many thanks. We thank her publicly in this Chamber today. I am very pleased that, ahead of the final report, the chairman has issued the recommendation that compensation be given. On compensation for health issues, the reality for many people is that each week that passes means worsening health and more care needed. Compensation would greatly enhance the quality of the end of life for some people who are coming to that stage. The Paymaster General is a Minister with compassion who understands the issue, so while we await the rest of the report, I respectfully ask him to consent to fast-tracking that recommendation, particularly for end-of-life claimants.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman and all hon. Members who have contributed today. He makes a powerful point, as he does so often, and the same point comes out from Sir Brian Langstaff’s report. We will do the work and will come back to this place having done so. Sir Brian is making a powerful case, but the work needs to be undertaken. We need to do that properly, and I look forward to coming back to the House in due course when we have made more progress.
Shadow Comment
Fleur Anderson
Shadow Comment
The shadow Minister pays tribute to victims and families affected by the contaminated blood scandal and acknowledges their tireless campaign for justice. She expresses concern over the lack of commitment from the Government to respond immediately to the second interim report, despite Sir Brian's emphasis on urgent action. Fleur Anderson questions whether the minister agrees with the statement that time without redress is harmful and if he can confirm that work is underway to establish the scheme this year as recommended by Sir Brian. She also seeks reassurance for family members of victims, including parents who lost children and orphaned children, and enquires about the verification and registration process for directly affected individuals and their families. Additionally, she requests more regular updates on progress ahead of the final report's publication in autumn.
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