‘Playing for time’: Ministers accused of delay on infected blood compensation scheme

Paymaster general John Glen today delivered a statement to the House of Commons on the government’s response to the infected blood inquiry.

It comes after MPs voted to establish a compensatory body for victims of the infected blood scandal earlier this month.

Despite the government issuing a three-line whip to vote down the proposal, an amendment tabled by Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson was voted through on a majority of 246 to 242 on 4 December.

Speaking today, John Glen told MPs: “Firstly, and most importantly, the suffering of the victims must be recognised.

“The distress and trauma for each individual has faced as a result of this tragedy is unimaginable, and the government understands that no measures can fully compensate for the losses and hardship that they have suffered. The priority here must be to ensure that victims get the justice that they deserve.

He added: “The recommendations of the inquiry are not without complexity. It would be inappropriate for the Government to prejudge the findings of the final report”.

Shadow minister Nick Thomas-Symonds responded: “The amendment that was passed by this House during the victims and prisoners bill makes it absolutely clear what the will of this House is on a binding and indeed on a cross-party basis”.

Dame Diana said: “This statement today is going to cause huge anguish to victims of the 50 year old scandal and fuel their suspicion, noting that the prime minister whipped Conservative members to vote down new clause 27 on the 4th of December, that the government is still playing for time, even though they accept the moral case.

“So this is adding one final insult to injury”.

MPs vote for infected blood compensation body as Sunak suffers first commons defeat

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