Government urged to act on compensation plan

Written by Jessica Bomford, June 23, 2022

We’ve written to Michael Ellis MP, the minister responsible for the Infected Blood Inquiry, to call for an interim compensation payment to be made by the end of this year.

Our letter, which you can read here, also calls on Mr Ellis to publish the government’s proposals on compensation for those infected and affected by contaminated blood and blood products by the end of July. Along with other campaign groups, we want the government to put an end to speculation surrounding compensation payments by publishing its plans and being clear about what happens next.

Sir Robert’s report has raised hopes that compensation could, should and will be paid and there is now a pressing need to know if the government agrees.

Kate Burt, chief executive, and Clive Smith, chair of the Haemophilia Society

Earlier this month Sir Robert Francis QC published his Infected Blood Compensation Study, which set out a ‘compelling case’ for a £100,000 interim payment for those infected who are registered with a support scheme. We agree, but believe this payment should be given to everyone registered on a support scheme. The study also set out the ‘strong moral case’ for compensation and outlined how this could be administered. Read more about the study here.

Although Sir Robert’s report contained a number of promising proposals, we do not know if the government plans to adopt any of them. As our letter to Mr Ellis makes clear, time is running out for many of the infected community. Already more than 400 people have died since the inquiry was announced in July 2017, and this figure will continue to rise. Sir Robert’s report highlighted the fact that many people who are infected do not seek compensation for themselves, but for their families so they can be confident they will be looked after following their death.

We will be continuing to press the government for action on this vital issue. If you have questions about compensation or the Infected Blood Inquiry, please contact our public inquiry team at [email protected]

Sir Robert will give evidence to the inquiry on 11 and 12 July. For the inquiry’s latest timetable, click here.