Extraordinary Infected Blood Inquiry Hearings Announced: Follows Gov Compensation Inaction

After a shocking lack of government action following the Inquiry's final compensation report in April, the Infected Blood Inquiry has been unexpectedly called back into session.

A further series of hearings, beginning the week of 24th July, will add a new chapter to this scandal's narrative. The Inquiry will now examine the Government's response to compensation.

The hearings will likely put the Government's puzzling evasion of the compensation issue under the microscope, with Ministers and Senior Officials expected to be called to give evidence under oath.

The timetable for these crucial hearings will be released on 4th July, also marking the opening of registration for those infected/affected and the media.

Jason Evans (Director of Factor 8) said: "I must express my profound frustration at the Government's inaction since the final compensation report was published in April. It was our hope that the heart-wrenching saga of the Infected Blood Scandal would move closer to resolution. Instead, we find ourselves facing another round of Inquiry hearings - a testament to the lack of visible progress by the Government.

The latest development, the unexpected resumption of the Inquiry hearings, only underscores the urgency and the gravity of the situation.

Both ministers and senior officials are expected to give evidence in these hearings - it is important for the Inquiry and our community to understand what, if anything, is going on. It is our fervent hope that these hearings bring the much-needed breakthrough in this protracted battle.

We continue to call on the Government to urgently appoint the chair of the compensation Arms Length Body recommended by the Inquiry and make interim payments in respect of deaths not recognised."