Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to provide “comprehensive compensation” to individuals affected by the infected blood scandal, vowing that the government will cover “whatever it costs.” This commitment follows a damning report on the scandal that saw 30,000 people infected, many fatally.

A public inquiry revealed that authorities had exposed victims to unacceptable risks and subsequently covered up what is considered the NHS’s most significant treatment disaster. Details of the compensation package, expected to be around £10 billion, will be outlined by the government on Tuesday.

The Infected Blood Inquiry found that between the 1970s and 1990s, doctors, the government, and the NHS allowed patients to contract HIV and hepatitis from contaminated blood transfusions and blood products. Approximately 3,000 individuals have died as a result, with more deaths anticipated.

Sunak’s Commitment

Sunak addressed the House of Commons, describing the release of the inquiry’s report as a “day of shame for the British state.” He reiterated his commitment to provide comprehensive compensation to all those affected, stating, “Whatever it costs to deliver this scheme, we will pay it.”

Cabinet Office Minister John Glen will provide the specific details of the compensation package. It is anticipated that the compensation will be categorized under five main areas: injury, social impact, autonomy, care, and financial loss.

Political Reactions

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer also expressed regret for his party’s role during its time in government and welcomed the Conservative government’s commitment to financial support. He assured that Labour would work with the government to expedite the compensation process.

Inquiry Findings

The inquiry examined over five decades of decision-making, highlighting that the infected blood scandal “could largely have been avoided” and exposed a cover-up that included the destruction of documents by Whitehall officials. Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff emphasized the necessity of immediate compensation, stating, “What I have found is that disaster was no accident. People put their trust in doctors and the government to keep them safe and that trust was betrayed.”

Sir Brian’s interim reports had already recommended compensation for victims and their families, prompting the government to issue interim payments of £100,000 each to approximately 4,000 survivors and bereaved partners. Further interim payments are expected to be announced before the full compensation scheme is implemented.

Impacted Groups

The scandal primarily affected two groups:

Individuals with haemophilia or similar genetic disorders affecting blood clotting.
Those who had received blood transfusions after childbirth, accidents, or during medical treatments.

As the government prepares to announce the full compensation details, the commitment to addressing this historical injustice remains a crucial step towards acknowledging the suffering and loss endured by thousands of families across the UK.