politics
UK Government to Lay Statutory Instrument for Infected Blood Compensation This Week, with Some Campaigner Concerns Remaining
The measure would enable the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to begin payments from a £12.8 billion fund. More than 30,000 people were infected and over 3,000 died in the scandal between the 1970s and early 1990s. Labour MPs have raised concerns about access rules and fairness for some victims.
The IndependentAudio version
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The UK government is set to lay a statutory instrument this week that would allow the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to pay compensation to victims and their families, The Independent reported. The authority would draw from £12.8 billion set aside for the purpose.
Over 30,000 people were infected with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products and transfusions in the UK between the 1970s and early 1990s, and more than 3,000 people died as a result.
An inquiry chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff concluded in May 2024 that the disaster was largely avoidable and cited severe institutional and governmental cover-ups, including by former health secretary Lord Ken Clarke. Andy Burnham, who as health secretary in 2009 initiated the push for compensation, published a letter in May criticizing the government for drawing new dividing lines between people.
He stated that the compensation rules involved divide and rule sort of tactics and that new injustices have crept in over the last two years.
Clive Efford told The Independent there will not be a rebellion next week over the regulations. He said some concerns about the authority can be addressed without altering regulations while others require changes to satisfy campaigners, and that the government has set up a mechanism for ongoing dialogue with the infected blood community.
Last month the Cabinet Office announced that bereaved parents whose infected child died under age 18 would receive a 50 per cent uplifted injury award.
