Infected Blood Compensation Scheme

The minister has provided a comprehensive update to the House of Commons on the government's work regarding the infected blood compensation scheme. The minister acknowledged the infected blood scandal as a "shameful mark on the British state" and recognized that those impacted have waited far too long for financial redress and recognition of their suffering. The minister highlighted the findings of the inquiry report, which shed light on the trauma inflicted on thousands of people across the country and the "cover-up" that was "more subtle, more pervasive and more chilling" than an "orchestrated conspiracy to mislead." The minister expressed gratitude for the contributions of Sir Robert Francis and the expert group in the development of the compensation scheme. The minister outlined the government's acceptance of the majority of Sir Robert's recommendations, including the continuation of regular support scheme payments for those registered before April 2025, the introduction of a supplementary additional autonomy award for those subjected to unethical medical research, and an increase in the social impact award for affected individuals. The minister also discussed the government's commitment to delivering a comprehensive compensation scheme at the earliest possible opportunity, in line with the principles of the inquiry, and the introduction of a health impact supplementary route to ensure that every applicant is justly compensated. The minister confirmed that the government has laid the regulations to give the Infected Blood Compensation Authority the powers necessary to pay compensation through the core route to the infected, both living and deceased. The minister acknowledged that this is an essential step, but the work is not finished, as a second set of regulations will provide for other elements of the compensation scheme, including compensation payments to affected individuals and for claims under the supplementary route. The minister expressed the government's aim to begin payments by the end of this year, with the Infected Blood Compensation Authority working to put the operational systems in place and engage with the community to ensure a user-friendly and distress-free process. The minister reiterated the government's commitment to continue updating the House as the work progresses.