‘A Measure of Justice Long Overdue’
Local Stirling MP Alyn Smith has welcomed an official apology and the announcement of compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal, after a long campaign from those impacted, loved ones, newspapers and politicians.
Studies estimate up to 30,000 people were given contaminated blood products in the UK throughout the 1970s-80s. More than 3,000 died after NHS blood transfusions or treatment made with contaminated blood resulted in the spread of HIV or Hepatitis C in recipients. It is estimated one person affected by the scandal dies every four days.
Delivering an apology on behalf of the UK Government on Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underlined the successive institutional failures which led to suffering, anguish and death for thousands of people must never be allowed to happen again.
Alyn Smith MP said:
‘I welcome the conclusion of this inquiry, which has uncovered shocking evidence of coverups, institutional failure and denials from successive UK Governments and healthcare professionals. Victims and their loved ones have been totally let down, and I welcome the unequivocal apology from the Prime Minister on behalf of all Governments involved. I’ve been very proud to back justice for those impacted by this outrageous scandal, and thank everyone across Stirling who wrote to me about the campaign and fought to right this wrong.‘My sympathies and solidarity go to those infected and affected – no amount of money can truly heal their hurt, loss and suffering, but I urge the UK Government to ensure compensation is comprehensive and swift. We also need to urgently learn these lessons to make certain something like this can never happen again.’