Infected Blood Inquiry final report delayed: Government must act now
Factor 8 is making an urgent plea for an immediate government response after the Infected Blood Inquiry announced yesterday that its final report would be delayed until March 2024. While understood due to the extensive and intricate nature of the material and legalities involved, the delay has sparked heightened concerns and intensified the demand for swift government action amidst clear indications of substantial wrongdoings.
Sir Brian Langstaff (chair of the Inquiry) concluded in April wrongs at various levels, emphasising the urgent need for redress: “Wrongs were done at individual, collective, and systemic levels. Not only do the infections themselves and their consequences merit compensation, but so too do the wrongs done by the way in which authority responded to what happened.” This finding, coupled with the fact that one of the reasons for the delay is the weight of criticisms made of individuals and organisations, underscores the urgency for immediate government intervention without waiting for the final report.
This call for immediate action is starkly contrasted by the government’s approach to the Post Office scandal. Just this week, Kevin Hollinrake, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, announced swift compensation for postmasters affected by the Post Office’s Horizon IT system issues, stating: “The Government have supported the Post Office to make significant interim payments up front—set at £163,000—to those with overturned Horizon convictions… postmasters who have their convictions on the basis of Horizon evidence overturned should have the opportunity, up front, to accept an offer of a fixed sum in full and final settlement of their claim—the sum will be £600,000.”
This response and compensation for the Post Office victims, even before the conclusion of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, exposes the glaring inconsistency in the government’s approach to the victims of the infected blood scandal. Factor 8 is persistently urging the government to act promptly and fairly, emphasising the pressing need for rightful compensation due to the victims of infected blood products.
The already published final compensation report by the Infected Blood Inquiry provides comprehensive recommendations on financial redress. The establishment of the recommended Arms Length Body for administering compensation and the provision of independent legal representation should be initiated forthwith to avoid any further delays and prolonging of the suffering of the victims and their families.
The government’s ongoing silence and lack of action in the face of these urgent recommendations are not just disheartening. Still, they perpetuate the injustice and suffering endured by the victims and their families for decades.
Factor 8 steadfastly demands immediate and decisive action to honour the Inquiry's recommendations and commence the compensation process without further delay.
Our resolve to seek justice and equitable compensation for all infected (including those who have died) and affected individuals remains unwavering. We will continue to advocate for the rights of the victims and their families and press the government to act with the urgency and fairness that this grave situation demands, learning from the precedent set by the swift action taken in the Post Office compensation case.
Factor 8 extends its solidarity to every individual impacted by this scandal and assures its continual commitment to seeking justice for the victims of infected blood products, demanding transparency and a quick and straightforward route to fair compensation as recommended by the Infected Blood Inquiry. We remain hopeful for a future where the lessons are learned, and such tragedies are prevented, ensuring no one has to suffer such grave injustices again.
