Peter Swallow

Peter Swallow

Labour — Bracknell

Speaking in the House of Commons on 26 February 2026

Debate

Historical Forced Adoptions: Formal Apology

Contribution

On Tuesday, the Education Committee held a public evidence session on historical forced adoptions and heard how, over many decades, unmarried mothers were shamed and coerced into giving up their babies for adoption—a practice driven by the policies of the state and delivered by charities and religious organisations, including the Church of England. Do the Church Commissioners agree that the victims—mothers and adopted children—are owed a full and formal apology from the Church for its role in this scandal? I heard what my hon. Friend said, but only a formal apology will begin to heal the wounds of this horrible scandal.

More from Peter Swallow

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Peter Swallow's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Peter Swallow report card.