Rishi Sunak is no stranger to facing hecklers during the weekly parliamentary sessions. However, this week was different. Instead of the usual banter and interruptions from MPs, Sunak found himself in front of a silent and solemn audience for nearly three hours. These individuals were the victims of the contaminated blood scandal, the worst treatment disaster in NHS history. This moment in the parliamentary chamber revealed the long-standing injustice and denial of justice that these victims have endured for over 40 years.
As time passed, the most powerful man in the country offered vague statements but failed to provide a concrete commitment to starting the compensation process, despite acknowledging the moral case for it. Compensation is the most meaningful action the government can take to acknowledge and compensate for the lives destroyed by this tragedy.
During the questioning, the prime minister was seen looking at his watch, leaving observers to wonder what he was thinking. It has been 49 years since the World Health Organization first raised concerns about the looming tragedy, yet decision-makers ignored these warnings. As a result, tens of thousands of people were infected with HIV and hepatitis through contaminated blood products provided by the NHS. This disaster turned into a scandal, with evidence of cover-ups and resistance from governments to properly investigate the issue.
It has been six years since those affected by contaminated blood secured a public inquiry, three years since the government acknowledged the need for compensation, 16 months since a report on compensation was published, and almost four months since the infected blood inquiry chair called for the immediate establishment of a compensation scheme. The victims cannot afford to wait any longer, as lives are being lost on a regular basis.
One of the inspiring campaigners on this issue was Nicholas Sainsbury, who tragically died earlier this year after decades of fighting for justice. For many, compensation will come too late, adding to the tragedy of this scandal.
The chair of the infected blood inquiry, Brian Langstaff, has made every effort to hold Rishi Sunak and his government accountable for delivering justice to the victims. Langstaff invited senior ministers to face the victims and explain their actions or lack thereof regarding redress. Langstaff’s leadership of the inquiry sets a commendable example for future inquiries, with the victims being directly involved and engaged throughout the proceedings.
What happens next? When will the government establish a compensation scheme and begin its work? Despite hours of questioning, we are left without answers. Sunak simply stated that the government is working “as quickly as possible” and “at pace.” This is not sufficient. Langstaff rightly pointed out the lack of details, timeline, and structure regarding compensation. The government must act swiftly and not use the current economic situation as an excuse for further delays. The victims of contaminated blood are not responsible for the country’s finances, but the state is responsible for the harm it caused them.
No more empty words or delays. No more institutional inertia. It’s time to launch the compensation scheme and deliver justice to those affected by contaminated blood. The government is running out of time, and the victims deserve no less.
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