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MPs to keep up pressure on Government for compensation now

Written by Sam Wilson, January 25, 2024

MPs were very supportive of the campaign for compensation and redress for people infected and affected by contaminated blood and blood products at a meeting in parliament yesterday.

MPs and Peers on the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood met to plan how to keep up pressure on the Government in the run up to the publication of the report from the Infected Blood Inquiry on 20 May 2024. The key issue is that the Government must accept the recommendations in the Infected Blood Inquiry’s report on compensation and redress, published last April, and set up a compensation scheme now.

MPs shared their frustrations that despite repeatedly raising their concerns, they had seen little in the way of action and received only stock answers from government ministers.

APPG members wrote an open letter this month and have been asking questions in parliament to hold the Government to account and are planning to ask more at the next Treasury questions on 6 February.

With the spring budget scheduled for 6 March we are looking for more opportunities to pressure the Government and we will need your help to continue to make your MP aware of the campaign. Options for a potential campaigning event in Westminster with MPs in late February were discussed.

The APPG is a group of over 50 MPs and Peers from all the major parties in parliament who have an interest in bleeding disorders and support the campaign for justice for people infected and affected by contaminated blood and blood products. You can see the membership and read more about their work here.

As well as nine MPs and peers, the meeting included attendees from more than ten charities and campaign groups alongside other campaigners who represent people infected and affected.

The Haemophilia Society help to organise the APPG, promote its work and ensure its members are updated on new developments in relation to the Infected Blood Inquiry and other issues affecting people with bleeding disorders. For any questions about the work of the APPG or if your MP would like to join the APPG please contact [email protected]