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BACKBENCH BUSINESS
12 April 2016
Lead MP
Diana R. Johnson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 74
At a Glance
Diana R. Johnson raised concerns about backbench business 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The House recognises that the contaminated blood scandal was one of the biggest treatment disasters in the history of the NHS, which devastated thousands of lives; notes that for those affected this tragedy continues to have a profound effect on their lives which has rarely been properly recognised; welcomes the Government’s decision to conduct a consultation to reform support arrangements and to commit extra resources to support those affected; further notes, however, that the current Government proposals will leave some people worse off and continue the situation where some of those affected receive no ongoing support; calls on the Government to take note of all the responses to the consultation and heed the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood’s Inquiry into the current support arrangements so as to ensure that no-one is worse off, left destitute or applying for individual payments as a result of the proposed changes and that everyone affected by the tragedy, including widows and dependents, receives support commensurate with the decades of suffering and loss of amenity they have experienced.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Sincerely thanked Diana R. Johnson for bringing forward this debate and ensuring that Eddie Quigley's story is properly discussed.
Mark Tami
Lab
Alyn and Deeside
Agreed with Diana R. Johnson that the process of applying to various schemes has been difficult, particularly for those who are ill.
Jim Cunningham
Lab
Coventry South
Commended Diana R. Johnson's work on this issue and highlighted the need for a determined Minister to introduce a scheme similar to what was done for thalidomide victims.
Huntingdon
Complimented Diana R. Johnson's work, mentioning his constituent Tony Farrugia and the unfairness of the current proposals that left his mother without any money despite her husband’s death in 1986.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Agreed with Diana R. Johnson that reforms should not make sick people worse off and highlighted the case of Graham Manning, who will lose £500 a month due to the proposed changes.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Suggested that the consultation does not seem to align with the Prime Minister’s apology and questioned why no money from the promised £25 million has been spent yet.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Taunton Deane
Urged the Government to look carefully at the consultation to avoid penalising people who are already suffering, pointing out potential differences in support arrangements between Scotland and England.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Thirdly, there are concerns about the inadequate provision for the ‘affected’ community—the widows, the partners and the dependants of those infected. The proposals for widows appear to be extremely complex. They create six categories of widows, with big variations in what is offered within each category. Department of Health officials could not explain how they would work when they met the APPG’s secretariat and have not provided an explanation of these proposals as promised. There also appears to be nothing here for dependent children.
David Hanson
Lab
I have constituents who have been infected. I have also heard from infected partners who, because of the failure of the scheme, cannot get insurance for themselves. Those who have young children are worried about the long-term implications. Does my hon. Friend not think that the proposal adds extra stress to what is already a very stressful situation?
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Does my hon. Friend, who is making an excellent speech, agree with my constituent, who is affected and feels that the changes are deliberately punitive and exceedingly cruel, as they use requests for changes to support schemes to affect people in that way? My constituent has had to use the ex gratia payment from the Government to fund treatment refused by the NHS, as many other people have had to do. His annual payment will decrease over time and he will lose the additional support that is currently provided.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Fourthly, there are concerns that under the plans money will be used to pay for new drugs to treat hepatitis C, which will be bought separately from the NHS budget, so will cost more. Under guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, everyone with hepatitis C should be eligible for treatment with a new generation of drugs from the end of February 2016, so when funds are allocated for treatment, that means once again that money does not go directly to those who need financial support.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
In conclusion, we have had a chance to consider the detail of the Government’s proposals. I am disappointed, as they do not deliver what we all want: giving people dignity and allowing them to get on with their lives, rather than constantly having to battle to get support. That means they have to campaign to ensure that their lives do not become even worse, let alone see improvements. They need and deserve action in a timely manner. They do not want to end their lives as campaigners. Many of those who are infected have told me that they believe that the Government are just delaying a proper settlement as more and more people die. After their long and bitter experience who can blame them?
Jason McCartney
Con
That is the point I was going to make. I should like to thank the hon. Lady for co-chairing the APPG on haemophilia and contaminated blood with me, and with many others in the last Parliament. Does she agree that the Minister should accept that we have a framework with the settlement in Scotland, which needs tweaking, and the comprehensive APPG report, which looks at the fact that trusts and funds did not operate to support the victims? If we heed experiences in Scotland and our report, we can begin to help the victims.
Nadhim Zahawi
Con
It is a privilege and an honour to follow the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson). I commend her for her leadership in bringing Parliament together on this very important subject. The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government, has apologised for the infection of individuals with contaminated blood—an apology that is now more than a year old, for a scandal that is more than 20 years old. When he rightly addressed the matter last year, my right hon. Friend said that it was ‘difficult to imagine the feelings of unfairness’—[Official Report, 25 March 2015; Vol. 594, c. 1423.]—that those who have been affected must feel. My constituents and others around the country were let down, when they or their family members were at their most vulnerable, by the health service that was supposed to keep them safe. It truly is difficult to imagine.
Nadhim Zahawi
Con
Stratford-on-Avon
The consultation does not adequately address the losses and injustices faced by those affected by contaminated blood, with many victims feeling let down. The proposals are insufficient compared to what was expected or promised, causing financial instability and hardship for families who have suffered greatly due to no fault of their own.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
The consultation risks undermining the sincerity of the Prime Minister's apology by failing to maintain index-linking in annual payments, which could leave victims worse off than they were before. This is a clear breach of trust and undermines the financial security that victims rely on.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
The consultation fails to provide adequate support for victims like Janet and Colin Smith, who have lost their son due to contaminated blood. The proposals do not deliver the necessary sustainability and security that affected families desperately need, and fall far short of what was promised by the Prime Minister.
Stephen Doughty
Lab/Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The situation highlights a UK-wide legacy issue that requires coordinated action between the UK Government and devolved Administrations to avoid a postcode lottery, ensuring consistent justice for all affected individuals across different regions.
Subsequent developments following the Prime Minister's apology have failed to live up to expectations, leaving many victims feeling betrayed. The Government must demonstrate genuine commitment through actions rather than words to address the injustices suffered by those affected by contaminated blood.
Orkney and Shetland
The lack of consistency in compensation schemes between England and Scotland for victims infected in Staffordshire but living in Scotland highlights the need for cross-administration collaboration to ensure a fair and just approach.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Jessica Morden highlighted the personal stories of victims, including those who have lost children due to contaminated blood products. She discussed the case of Nigel Mills and called for new treatments to be accessible in England as well. She also pointed out that consultations should not divert funding from existing treatments. Morden urged the Minister to reflect deeply on the proposed changes, emphasising the long-term suffering faced by victims since the 1970s.
Sheryll Murray
Con
South East Cornwall
Sheryll Murray welcomed the debate and acknowledged the efforts of the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia and contaminated blood. She shared a personal case study involving her constituent, who was infected with HIV in 1985 and now suffers from severe physical conditions due to cirrhosis. Murray highlighted disparities between funding in England and Scotland and asked the Minister to consider these issues while formulating final proposals.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
James Cartlidge mentioned a constituent's case similar to that of Sheryll Murray’s. He expressed difficulty in explaining the different arrangements across the UK, originally under a UK Government's jurisdiction.
Steve Rotheram
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Steve Rotheram agreed with Sheryll Murray and highlighted the need for a just and fair settlement. He mentioned two constituents who received contaminated blood products and called on the Minister to ensure they receive adequate support.
Rebecca Pow
Unknown Constituency
Acknowledged the serious case made by Jim McMahon about people's suffering, adding that unrealised potential due to contaminated blood is a critical issue. Urged the Minister to address the matter considering an unidentified constituent who has faced similar challenges.
Jim McMahon
Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Responded to Rebecca Pow's points by elaborating on Alex Smith's situation. Described how the compensation payment did not help Alex to start a business due to his illness, reiterating that opportunities have been stolen from people affected by contaminated blood. Criticised the Government for prolonging the agony and pain of victims while Members receive pay rises.
Chloe Smith
Con
Norfolk North
Paid tribute to her constituent Annie Walker who passed away after battling liver disease caused by contaminated blood. Urged the Minister to maintain indexing for payments, simplify future payments and ensure no one is excluded from support. Welcomed the doubling of NHS funding and fast-tracking treatment for early-stage patients.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Refers to the sentiments expressed by his constituent Steve Bertram who urges the government to act generously and properly for English Haemophiliacs, criticising the paltry, mean and demeaning offer made by the current scheme.
Encourages careful listening to all points raised regarding the historical wrong faced by those infected with contaminated blood, urging the Minister to listen carefully not only to today's debate but also to the consultation feedback.
Paul Monaghan
SNP
Gordon
Highlights the plight of Julie, a constituent born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who was infected with contaminated blood in 1974 and now suffers from chronic health conditions. Criticises the proposed payment schemes for being outdated, confused in structure, unfair, and potentially leaving victims much worse off financially.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Raises the case of his constituent Susan Webster who lost her partner to hepatitis C due to contaminated blood. Criticises the Government for dragging their heels over supporting survivors of the scandal.
Suggests increasing pension payments to at least the level of the living wage, in response to the cost of living concerns raised by Paul Monaghan.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Asks whether Scottish authorities could have made increased levels of compensation available to all those affected within Scotland rather than on the basis of where people had acquired the infection.
Paul Monaghan
SNP
Gordon
Provides details of the proposed cuts in England and compares them unfavourably with the more generous proposals in Scotland. Criticises the UK Government for prioritising austerity over supporting victims of this scandal.
Reads an email from his constituent Sue Threakall, summarizing the human impact of the contaminated blood scandal and stressing the importance of truth and justice in addressing the issue.
Anna Turley
Lab Co-op
Redcar
The hon. Member expresses concern about the financial security of spouses following the death of victims due to contaminated blood, citing an example from her constituency where a constituent's wife worries about mortgage payments should her husband pass away.
Peter Heaton-Jones
16:58:00
The hon. Member reiterates his call for time and understanding from the Government, emphasising that while progress has been made since 2010, more is needed to ensure fair financial provision not only for those who received contaminated blood but also their families and loved ones.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
The hon. Member agrees with the previous speaker's sentiments, expressing concern that victims could be worse off after the consultation period ends if they do not receive fair financial provision.
Rebecca Pow
16:58:00
The hon. Member points out that time is running out for those affected by contaminated blood, noting that one person infected with hepatitis C from contaminated blood dies every month.
Peter Heaton-Jones
16:58:00
The hon. Member appeals to the Government for a proper hearing and understanding of those who believe an injustice is about to be done, emphasising that these events have devastated lives and that it is crucial to deliver what victims want and deserve.
Gerald Kaufman
17:06:00
The right hon. Member stresses the importance of understanding and addressing the personal impact on individuals affected by contaminated blood, highlighting the need for a process that produces an effective outcome to alleviate financial hardship.
Barbara Keeley
17:06:00
The hon. Member supports the right hon. Friend's points about financial hardship and expresses concern over the reduction in annual payments, which could leave some people £7,000 a year worse off.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay and South Devon
Contaminated blood and the impact on victims was one of the first issues to come into my inbox after I was elected. Virtually all their life prospects have disappeared because of a treatment they received that they thought would make them better. The issue is about looking at the time that has elapsed, with 4,700 people with bleeding disorders and 28,000 other people becoming infected with hepatitis C; and 1,200 with bleeding disorders and 100 other individuals getting HIV. We are talking about a patchwork of five schemes in place with £390 million already paid out, but the impact on these people has been so devastating that it is right that we are looking again at what the appropriate level of compensation is.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
We cannot give them justice; they will never get justice, and money will not compensate. All we can do is give them the best possible help, financially and in care terms.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay and South Devon
Today’s debate is right to focus on compensating victims and mitigating the impact of the scandal. Local authorities need to be aware of support packages and possible impacts on benefit calculations, as new staff might not be familiar with these trusts due to their age.
Flick Drummond
Con
Teignbridge
My hon. Friend has mentioned some of the impacts, including difficulty accessing housing for people with very low incomes who received contaminated blood, such as my constituent Sally Vickers. Does my hon. Friend not agree that the Minister needs to advise local authorities to make sure that adequate housing is available?
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay and South Devon
Initially, my constituents were pleased to hear a consultation was going to happen with £25 million available. However, they were extremely disappointed when the proposals could result in recipients receiving less than now due to possible abolition of top-ups and support relying on assessments.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab/Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Between the mid-1970s and late 1980s, 4,670 people with haemophilia were infected with hepatitis C through NHS treatment and transfusion of contaminated blood. Of those, 1,243 also exposed to HIV; almost half have since died. Many victims experience poverty and discrimination as a result of their infections, such as my constituent Michael Gee who was diagnosed in 1987 due to being scalded as a child and receiving contaminated blood transfusions.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon
The families and bereaved are not included in the consultation—there is no provision for children, dependants or bereaved families. Does my hon. Friend agree that children and dependants who are now adults should be included?
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Agrees with his hon. Friend, stating that the lives of victims have been grievously affected. He criticises the government's proposed cap on annual payments as unfair. Refers to substantial research evidence showing significant damage to health and earning potential. Points out that the Prime Minister had apologised for what victims endured but that words now ring hollow with the latest proposals. Emphasises the need to protect financial support for victims' families.
Craig Mackinlay
Con
Hendon
Highlights progress made, including an additional £100 million from the Department of Health. Discusses cases such as Steve Dymond and Lee Stay who were infected through contaminated blood products. Describes how these infections have affected victims' lives, their capacity to work, and their families. Argues that special cases should be recognised in the review process.
Mark Pawsey
Con
Rugby
Raises the case of a constituent who was denied a second round of IVF despite fertility issues caused by contaminated blood, requiring him to spend £8,000. Highlights the hardship faced not only by victims but also by their families.
Mary Robinson
Lab Co-op
Cheadle
Discusses a constituent's husband infected in the late 1970s and 80s, now suffering from conditions caused by contaminated blood. Emphasises the need to consider long-term impacts on families.
Craig Mackinlay
Con
Hendon
Welcomes treatment advances but highlights the need for more restitution and dignity for victims. Discusses the importance of support beyond just financial compensation, including access to new treatments and holistic care for affected families.
Norman Lamb
Lib Dem
North Norfolk
Pays tribute to Diana Johnson and organisations campaigning for justice. Emphasises the moral imperative for Government accountability, highlighting the need to accept responsibility for all those affected, not just the infected but their loved ones too. Raises serious concerns about proposals cutting financial support, contradicting Prime Minister's statement that they will help victims more. Criticises proposal's disparity between Scotland and England benefits and suggests funding should come from Treasury rather than Department of Health.
Central Ayrshire
Asked for clarification but no position provided due to lack of content in the given speech excerpt.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
Acknowledges efforts by Diana Johnson and others, highlighting the severe health issues faced by victims. Cites specific examples, including his constituent Cathy Young's case, to illustrate how families are coping with financial hardship due to infections. Raises concerns about disparity in support between UK proposals and Scottish Government’s more generous offer, urging UK government to follow Scotland's example for fairer compensation.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Wychavon
Proposed that the responsibility for dealing with compensation should be taken away from the Department of Health and held jointly by the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. Emphasised the need to treat people fairly, ensuring no reduction in income as a result of changes proposed. Highlighted the plight of co-infected individuals who face increased complications due to HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Congratulated Diana Johnson on her leadership, noting consensus across the House. Criticised the current consultation for being inadequate and potentially reducing income for victims. Emphasised that this is an NHS scandal with a moral responsibility to correct mistakes made by the state. Highlighted the long struggle of victims and called for a full and final settlement that considers individual impacts beyond health, urging the Government to act with compassion.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
I am glad to participate in this important debate, and I express disappointment over the timing of the debate due to constituents having to leave early. Constituents like Maria Armour have suffered from hep C since 1981 and continue to face health issues and financial hardships. Maria is campaigning for fair and equal treatment without needing charity funds or vouchers. She seeks simple support, such as funds for basic needs and opportunities to spend time with family rather than continuing the fight for justice.
Liz McInnes
Lab
Heywood and Middleton
I pay tribute to my predecessor Jim Dobbin who worked tirelessly on this issue. The scandal affecting thousands through NHS blood products in 1970s and 80s has been a nightmare for sufferers, taking away careers and aspirations. Current compensation is described as a nightmare itself with various trusts and charities causing confusion. Many beneficiaries are in poverty and face issues applying for help due to the need to prove evidence. The report recommends seconding public health doctors to understand beneficiary needs and reform trust system. The Government must clarify how they will distribute £125 million and address ongoing payments, discretionary support for dependants, and review mechanisms.
Margaret Ritchie
SDLP
Down South
I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) for bringing forward this debate, and I pay tribute to advocates throughout the UK on the subject of tainted blood and the Haemophilia Society. This issue has impacted many people directly and indirectly, forcing them into poverty and destitution. There is a renewed urgency since last July’s urgent question but publication of the consultation has been delayed. However, I welcome its long-awaited publication though I do not agree with all contents. Many have died from viruses or are living with rare cancers due to contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. My constituent Brian Carberry is one such case, as are twin brothers Michael and Seamus Sloane who face severe health challenges. I urge the Minister for a full and final settlement with proper transitional arrangements.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I thank the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) for setting the scene well. People infected with haemophilia or viruses through no fault of their own deserve dignity and support. The current systems are not working as effectively as they should, and there is an ever-growing number affected in Northern Ireland. We must do everything to give people back their dignity, such as full compensation for haemophiliacs and others with bleeding disorders and their families, a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, and measures to protect future patients from similar issues. The Prime Minister's apology needs more action due to delays.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Paid tribute to those affected by the contaminated blood scandal, especially Haemophilia Scotland. Mentioned a letter from a US FDA doctor highlighting the FDA's lack of action despite knowing about non-heat-treated blood products. Quoted John Major’s letter expressing concerns over potential financial and legal implications if sympathetic actions were taken towards victims. Criticised the delay in addressing this issue for nearly 30 years, emphasising that it is the largest treatment disaster in NHS history due to imported American coagulation products. Emphasised Scotland's response with increased compensation and recognition of bereaved families.
Norman Lamb
LD
North Norfolk
Asked Philippa Whitford for clarification on her points, but was not given time due to the limited speech duration.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Denton and Reddish
Paid tribute to Diana Johnson’s tireless efforts in raising awareness of this issue. Highlighted the need for justice for victims and their families, stressing the importance of recognising personal tragedies behind such scandals. Criticised successive Governments' inadequate response over the years. Mentioned that around 7,500 people were infected with hepatitis C or HIV due to contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.
George Howarth
Lab
Dagenham
Agreed with Andrew Gwynne's point on the need for Governments to accept responsibility when things go wrong, suggesting it is high time the Government did so in this case.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
The current system of support for victims of the contaminated blood scandal is inadequate, falling short compared to that in Ireland. The removal of discretionary payments could make individuals worse off by thousands of pounds annually. Mr. Gwynne welcomes stage 1 support but wants consideration given to the impact on employment and education opportunities due to illness. He expresses concern over a triennial assessment as it does not reflect the progressive nature of conditions, advocating for joined-up thinking with other departments like DWP. Additionally, he is troubled by plans to freeze existing annual payments, which fails to address loss in standard of living and health impacts. Lastly, he notes discrepancies between Scottish and UK Government responses, urging alignment and a detailed explanation from the Minister.
Jane Ellison
Lab
Battersea
Thanked the shadow Minister and the SNP spokeswoman for their time. Congratulated members of the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia and contaminated blood, especially Diana Johnson. Acknowledged those who travelled to London to express their feelings. Stated that she would respond to factual questions as much as possible due to the ongoing consultation. Emphasised that no decisions will be made until the consultation has closed and responses have been analysed. Announced £100 million of new funding for the scheme, bringing the total budget over five years to £237 million. Explained that this more than doubles the annual spend on the scheme in England over the next five years. Mentioned that letters were sent out to 3,482 registrants and almost 180 Members, resulting in over 1,200 responses already received. Encouraged anyone who has not yet responded to do so before midnight on 15 April.
Norman Lamb
LD
North Norfolk
Asked the Minister if there will be losers under the proposed reforms and requested a written confirmation of how much they would lose by and how many people would be involved.
Jane Ellison
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle
Minister emphasised the need for a measured implementation of reforms, noting that decisions must be informed by consultation responses. She highlighted discrepancies between Scottish and English proposals, particularly in relation to lump sum vs annual payments. The Minister also addressed concerns about treatment prioritisation under NHS guidelines.
Gerald Kaufman
Lab
Manchester, Gorton
Asked the Minister for clarification on her responses and pressed for answers to specific questions regarding support arrangements.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Called for a more substantial response from the Government, citing the striking unanimity in criticisms of the proposed reforms. She quoted Rudyard Kipling to emphasise that issues must be settled properly.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged concerns about treatment prioritisation under NHS guidelines, noting the need for a measured implementation of reforms based on consultation feedback. She also emphasised her commitment to ensuring that those affected receive support commensurate with their suffering.
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Assessment & feedback
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