16 January 2015
Yesterday I spoke in a backbench business debate on justice for the victims of contimanted blood. The motion before the House was as follows: 'This House supports a further review of the circumstances surrounding the passing of infection via blood products to those with haemophilia and others during the 1970s and 1980s; notes the recent report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood into the support arrangements provided for those who contracted blood-borne viruses as a result; also notes that the Penrose Inquiry into these events will shortly be publishing its findings in Scotland; further notes that those who contracted viruses and their partners and dependants continue to be profoundly affected by what happened; therefore welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to look again at this issue; and calls on the Government to respond positively to the APPG report and engage actively with those affected with a view to seeking closure to these long standing events.' I have been involved with this campaign on my behalf of a number of my constituents for several years now. In order to strengthen their case, I recently organised some detailed polling work in which we surveyed 1000 victims of contaminated blood to seek their views on the best way forward. Key findings in the survey included the idea that lump sums rather than ongoing payments might suit sufferers better, that ongoing supported for widowed partners and spouses is vital, and that some form of inquiry is still relevant. Although the motion was non-binding, it did ensure that this issue will remain high up on the Government's agenda. You can read the debate in full here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150115/debtext/150115-0001.htm#15011554000001