Infected Blood Inquiry Recommendations 2024-02-29
2024-02-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The infected blood scandal has led to numerous recommendations for compensation and policy changes. The government is under pressure to address these.
What progress he has made on considering the recommendations of the second interim report of the infected blood inquiry. After noting the urgency, what specific steps are being taken?
The Government recognise the issue's urgency and have appointed an expert group to advise on detailed technical considerations. An amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill will be brought forward on Report, aiming to speed up implementation of the response.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Mark Ward, a haemophiliac and victim of contaminated blood, is demanding compensation. The Government's response has been delayed.
My constituent Mark Ward contracted HIV from contaminated blood at age 14 and now faces life-threatening conditions at age 54. Given his long wait for justice and the recent defeat in the other place that forced the government to act, how soon will compensation be paid? What specific date can I give Mr Ward?
The report is due on Monday 20 May. The Government have committed to respond within 25 sitting days but will do everything possible to bring forward a substantive response.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific date for compensation
There Are Issues Around Eligibility, Severity Of Disease And Its Progression
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Gerald Stone, a victim of contaminated blood, faces multiple challenges due to the delay in justice and eligibility issues. The 30,000 figure is disputed.
My constituent Gerald Stone, an 80-year-old victim with ongoing health issues, has faced discrimination due to his condition. With regard to the disputed 30,000 claimants figure, can you provide clarity on this number?
I am trying to ensure a comprehensive response as soon as possible. Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery's team will advise on implementation issues including eligibility criteria, but I cannot provide a specific number from the Dispatch Box.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not give a specific number of claimants
Issues Around Eligibility
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
ITV is producing a drama about the contaminated blood scandal, following similar successful shows. Victims have waited decades for justice.
Why has it taken so long to get to this point regarding the contaminated blood scandal? Will a TV drama finally prompt action from the Government?
I am concerned about ensuring we build on the decision of 4 December concerning the Victims and Prisoners Bill. The bill is progressing, but I remain determined to ensure a comprehensive Government response.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify what action will be taken in response to recommendations
The Bill Is Working Its Way Through The Other Place
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Victims of contaminated blood have faced decades of cover-up and criminal activity, leading to lack of transparency in recent compensation efforts.
Despite the Minister's good intentions, this is a significant treatment scandal. After six years of inquiry recommendations, why has he not met any infected or affected individuals? Why are campaigners excluded from expert group discussions?
I have engaged with the right hon. Lady multiple times, discussing Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery's appointment. On Report stage in April, I plan to engage extensively with various groups across the UK.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address lack of transparency fully
Engagement Plans Are Set For Report Stage
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Since the recommendations of the infected blood inquiry were announced, another 82 victims have died. The question addresses concerns about the appointment of Sir Jonathan Montgomery to advise on compensation talks.
Another 82 victims of the infected blood scandal have died since the recommendations were announced. I note what the Minister said about appointing Sir Jonathan Montgomery as chair of experts offering technical advice, but a constituent victim is angry about this appointment. He has asked me: What confidence can victims have in the compensation process when an individual linked to pharmaceutical firm Bayer and who chairs Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust—epicenter of the scandal—is advising the Cabinet Office?
The appointment of Sir Jonathan Montgomery was compliant with processes similar to those for other appointments. His involvement with Bayer ceased at the end of October last year, and he is advising on implementation rather than making executive decisions. The noble Baroness Brinton described him as a “well-respected ethicist”. I hope this provides assurance.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address constituent's lack of confidence in Sir Jonathan's appointment or his links to Bayer and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question focuses on the urgency of delivering compensation to constituents and friends affected by hepatitis and HIV from the scandal.
My constituents and friends have been profoundly affected by hepatitis and HIV from the infected blood scandal. While my right hon. Friend is working hard, can he update the House on conversations with the Treasury for swift delivery of compensation once it is available?
Conversations about compensation are ongoing across Whitehall. The Government aims to publish substantive response on compensation after 20 May. I undertake to update the House at next opportunity when there is something substantive.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific updates or timelines for conversations with the Treasury regarding swift delivery of compensation
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Sir Brian Langstaff recommended establishing a compensation scheme last year, which has not yet been set up. The question addresses the lack of timetable from the Government on starting work and seeks confirmation if funding will be included in next week's Budget.
In his second interim report, Sir Brian Langstaff recommended setting up a compensation scheme to begin work this year. We are now into 2024 without a scheme. The Minister has no timetable for when the work will start and victims' groups have waited long enough. Can he confirm if he has persuaded the Chancellor to include funding in next week's Budget, and when first substantive payments will be made?
I cannot pre-announce aspects of the Budget. Legislation left after Report stage is not fit for purpose, necessitating further changes being made urgently. The Government committed to bringing forward amendments in the other place on Monday to enable creation of an arm's length body with necessary legal functions and UK-wide remit.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics about funding inclusion in next week's Budget or timeline for first substantive payments
Response accuracy