Protest against PM’s compensation delays

Written by Jessica Bomford, July 18, 2023

*This has been edited. Protest start time is now noon, earlier than originally planned due the extra time it will take to get into the inquiry because of security checks. *

A protest will take place outside the Infected Blood Inquiry to demand that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak authorises full compensation payments immediately.

Mr Sunak will give evidence to the inquiry on Wednesday, 26 July at 2pm when he is expected to be asked about the government’s position on compensation for people infected and affected by contaminated blood and blood products. Under the campaign slogan ‘Dying for Justice’ protesters will call on Mr Sunak to pay full compensation urgently, as recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff, Chair of the inquiry in April.

Anyone from the infected and affected community is welcome to join the protest.

The protest begins at noon on 26 July. The details are:

  • noon: Meet at Whitehall Gardens (Northumberland Avenue end) for photo call
  • 12.30pm: Walk to 8 Northumberland Avenue, where the inquiry is taking place, and protest outside the building as Mr Sunak arrives. Please note, we don’t know when he is arriving or if he will use this entrance, but the protest is likely to attract media interest with or without him
  • We will provide a large banner printed with the campaign slogan ‘Dying for Justice’ slogan. You are welcome to bring your own protest placards.
  • Wear black if possible, to maximise impact during the protest and also in the inquiry room as Mr Sunak gives evidence
  • Please note that we will be on a public pavement and the inquiry is being held in a hotel, so we’ll need to take care not to obstruct the area.

Mr Sunak’s appearance is part of an unexpected additional week of evidence to the inquiry which was announced earlier this month. Also giving evidence are ministers Penny Mordaunt, Jeremy Quin, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and senior civil servant Shona Dunn. The full timetable is here. A reminder that the inquiry is being held at 8 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5BY, which is a different building to previous hearings.

If you are planning to join the protest or have any questions, please email Jessica or Debra at [email protected].