RESOURCES must be made available – that is the message from Redditch MP Chris Bloore after the government has committed to increasing payments for victims of the Infected Blood scandal.
Speaking during a Commons debate on the Infected Blood Inquiry’s Additional Report, Mr Bloore described the Minister’s statement as “the right response to a very thorough report that yet again details the significant size of the scandal we are trying to undo.”
The Infected Blood scandal – described as the worst treatment disaster in NHS history – saw thousands of people infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products during the 1970s and 1980s.
Many have endured decades of pain, stigma and delay in receiving justice.
In his contribution, Mr Bloore questioned cabinet office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds MP on whether the Government’s pledge to increase compensation, which is estimated to be worth £1billion, would also be matched by the infrastructure and staffing required to implement the recommendations in full.
“He mentioned the level of increased payments that these measures will lead to.
“Will additional resources be given to deliver the recommendations, in addition to extra payments?”
In response, the Minister gave a firm assurance that the Government would “pay what it takes to fund the scheme,” with updated cost forecasts expected in the autumn Budget.
Following the debate, Mr Bloore said: “This is a devastating and prolonged tragedy that has touched thousands of lives — including here in Redditch.
“Victims and their families deserve not only financial redress but a compensation scheme that is delivered swiftly, compassionately and effectively.”
The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry was published in May 2024 and the government has since committed to a new compensation authority, interim payments and a substantial increase in overall support.
