Scottish and Welsh Governments Push for Immediate Infected Blood Scandal Compensation

In a joint letter dated 22nd January 2024, Scottish and Welsh government ministers have made a renewed and urgent call to the UK Government for immediate action on compensation for those impacted by the infected blood scandal.

The letter, signed by Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women's Health, and Julie Morgan MSY, Deputy Minister for Social Services, is addressed to Rt Hon John Glen MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General. It follows up on a previous communication dated 9th November 2023, expressing concerns about the progress of an infected blood compensation scheme.

Highlighting the impending amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill, the ministers stress the importance of ensuring a UK-wide compensation scheme.

The letter also addresses the urgency heightened by the delay of the Infected Blood Inquiry's final report to 20th May. The ministers draw a comparison to the UK Government's approach to the Post Office Horizon scandal, where victims, including bereaved relatives, are being offered compensation in advance of the inquiry's conclusion. This comparison underscores an inconsistency in the government's handling of the two scandals.

A significant focus of the letter is the plea for interim compensation payments to bereaved parents and children. The ministers argue that these groups have received little or no payments from current or former financial support schemes. Data from the Infected Blood Inquiry has shown that of the more than 2,900 deaths attributable to infected blood and blood products, only one-third of bereaved families have been eligible for an interim payment so far.

The ministers request a four nations Ministerial meeting to discuss these issues further, including the implications for the infected blood support schemes. They also indicate their intention to publish this letter, ensuring transparency and keeping stakeholders informed.

This joint letter represents a critical step in the ongoing struggle for justice for the victims of the infected blood scandal. The Scottish and Welsh governments' firm stance and advocacy for immediate compensation reflect the growing impatience and need for closure among the victims and their families.

A full copy of the letter can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/infected-blood-compensation-joint-letter-to-uk-government/