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Lord Prentis of Leeds (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 21 May 2025

Debate

Infected Blood Inquiry: Government Response

Contribution

My Lords, I declare that I was a member of one of the expert groups that fed into the Infected Blood Inquiry, which looked into one of the darkest periods in the history of healthcare in our country. There was systemic failure and inertia, with blood plasma being brought in from dangerous sources, such as American prisons. Lives were destroyed. So many people are suffering. So many families are feeling pain. So many people are dead, with many deaths yet to come. There is a moral duty on all of us to ensure that Sir Brian’s report on compensation is implemented in full. It is well over a year since it was published. I say to my noble friend the Minister that putting aside so much money is welcome, but surely there is a moral imperative to pay compensation now to those who have suffered or are suffering through no fault of their own. It is great that money has been put aside, but what is causing the delay? What is the hold-up? I am sure that, if that could be dealt with, we could then move forward to spend the money that has been set aside. The delays appear cruel and besmirch all of us, to say the least.

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