Sir Gavin Williamson is calling for the Government to speed up compensation for those that are affected by the infected blood scandal.
Between the 1970s and early 1990s, thousands of individuals contracted hepatitis C, HIV, and/or hepatitis B after receiving contaminated blood transfusions or blood products. This resulted in over 3,000 deaths and long-term health issues for thousands more.
In October 2024, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the Government had set aside £11.8 billion to pay compensation to victims and next of kins. The previous Conservative Government recommended that the most seriously impacted individuals should receive £2.6 million in compensation.
Sir Gavin said: “The infected blood scandal was disgraceful and should never have happened. Lives were lost, victims were seriously impacted, and families have spent decades trying to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones.
“The Inquiry, which reported in May 2024, strongly concluded negligence and cover-ups amongst institutions and key medical personnel. I have heard stories from constituents who were profoundly impacted by this scandal, and I am seriously concerned that repeated delays will mean justice is delivered too late.
“I am urging the Government to accelerate compensation payments and provide greater transparency to victims and their loved ones.
“We can never fully right this terrible wrong, but compensation would go at least a little way to make the lives of those affected more bearable.”
