Compensation for infected blood victims needs to be delivered faster, campaigners have said on the first anniversary of a public inquiry report into what has been described as the worst treatment disaster in NHS history. "We are dying at pace, the government needs to be working at pace, not just talking about it," one campaigner said on Tuesday as a letter calling for action was handed in to the prime minister. Diana Johnson, a minister who for years as a Labour MP supported victims of the scandal, said it was "disappointing" to hear how slow process had been. But Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas Symonds said the government was "committed to delivering compensation as swiftly as possible". More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV or hepatitis C or both after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. Around 3,000 people have died. In his final report released one year ago, inquiry chair Sir Brian Langstaff said the scandal had been largely avoidable and involved systemic failings. Campaigners had expected rapid compensation, but so far only 100 people have received payouts. They gathered at Westminster on Tuesday to hand in a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, stating their concern at the lack of progress. "Twelve months on from the publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry's devastating report, there remains deep concern from the contaminated blood community that politics is continuing to fail them," the letter said. "As the Infected Blood Inquiry heard when it reconvened hearings on 7 May 2025, the community's voice was absent when the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme was drawn up. The resulting scheme contains fundamental flaws, which could and would have been foreseen." Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Diana Johnson MP, who is now a Home Office Minister, told BBC News that she appreciated the concerns of campaigners and sympathised with their argument. "It's disappointing to hear just how slow the process is though, and I fully appreciate the concerns that so many people who are gathered today are making about wanting to get those payments out to people," she said. "We know on average someone dies every couple of weeks, so this has to be paid. But the money is there." When asked whether she could use her position as minister to make their case she said she was speaking to the BBC as a constituency MP. Jacqueline Wrixton, who was infected with hepatitis C as the result of a blood transfusion, said: "It's been a year since the euphoria of the recommendations, and yet, as an infected person... the statistics that roughly two a week are dying, we've still not got payment. "We are dying at pace, the government needs to be working at pace, not just talking about it. We need to see the actions." Cabinet Office minister Thomas–Symonds said: "The victims of this scandal have suffered unspeakably. "After decades of delay, it has fallen to this government to act. We are acting on the inquiry's 12 recommendations, so that this never happens again, and to get justice for victims. "While no amount of compensation will make up for the suffering people have endured, we are committed to delivering compensation as swiftly as possible."
'We are dying at pace' - infected blood victims still waiting for compensation
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Campaigners Urge Faster Compensation for Infected Blood Victims on Inquiry Anniversary"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
On the first anniversary of a public inquiry report concerning the infected blood scandal, campaigners are urging the government to expedite compensation for victims. This incident is recognized as the worst treatment disaster in NHS history, having resulted in over 30,000 individuals in the UK contracting HIV or hepatitis C from contaminated blood products during the 1970s and 1980s. As many as 3,000 people have died due to the aftermath of this scandal. During a gathering at Westminster, a letter was delivered to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Campaigners expressed their disappointment at the slow progress in the compensation process, with only about 100 victims having received payouts despite the gravity of the situation. They highlighted the systemic failures that led to this crisis, as noted in the inquiry led by Sir Brian Langstaff, which concluded that the scandal was largely avoidable.
Diana Johnson, a minister who has long supported the victims, voiced her frustration over the delays in compensation, stating that the government must act quickly to address the situation as lives are still being lost. She acknowledged that the average death rate among those affected is approximately two individuals per week, underscoring the pressing need for timely payments. Jacqueline Wrixton, a hepatitis C victim, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the lack of action since the inquiry's recommendations were made public. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds assured that the government is committed to implementing the inquiry's recommendations and delivering compensation as swiftly as possible. However, he acknowledged that while no amount of compensation could alleviate the suffering endured by victims, the government is making efforts to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again in the future.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the ongoing struggle of victims of the infected blood scandal in the UK, emphasizing the urgent need for faster compensation from the government. It reflects the frustrations of those affected, who feel that their plight is being neglected, particularly as many continue to suffer from the long-term effects of contaminated blood products administered in the 1970s and 1980s.
Public Sentiment and Urgency
The tone of the article conveys a strong sense of urgency and despair among the victims and their advocates. By quoting campaigners who express feelings of helplessness and frustration, the article aims to evoke sympathy from the public and pressure the government to act more decisively. The phrase "We are dying at pace" serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost associated with bureaucratic delays, further emphasizing the emotional weight of the issue.
Government Response and Accountability
The contrasting statements from government officials, particularly Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas Symonds, who asserts the government's commitment to swift compensation, highlight a disconnect between political promises and the realities faced by victims. This discrepancy may lead the public to view the government as unresponsive or indifferent to the suffering of affected individuals. The article suggests that the government’s actions do not match the urgency implied by their words, fostering skepticism about their true commitment to resolving the issue.
Flaws in Compensation Scheme
Concerns regarding the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme being fundamentally flawed are raised, indicating that the process for determining compensation may not adequately address the needs of the victims. This point underscores the perceived inadequacy of the governmental response, suggesting that the victims' voices were not sufficiently considered in the decision-making process. The article points to a systemic failure that could have been prevented, further framing the government's actions as negligent.
Potential Manipulative Elements
While the article presents factual information regarding the scandal and calls for action, it also employs emotionally charged language and personal testimonials to create a narrative that could be perceived as manipulative. This strategy aims to galvanize public opinion and political action, which may lead some readers to question the motivations behind the government's pace of response. The portrayal of a community in distress can be seen as a method of rallying support for immediate action.
Trustworthiness and Impact
The reliability of the article rests on its presentation of verifiable facts, such as the number of affected individuals and the timeline of events. However, the emotional framing may influence perceptions of credibility. The article is likely to resonate more with those who advocate for social justice and accountability, particularly within communities affected by health crises.
In terms of broader implications, this ongoing issue has the potential to influence political discourse, catalyzing discussions about health care accountability and the treatment of marginalized communities. The economic repercussions could manifest in increased governmental spending on compensation and health care reforms, while the political landscape may shift as parties respond to public pressure for justice.
The article serves as a critical lens on the intersection of health, politics, and community activism. It highlights the importance of accountability in governmental actions and the need for a responsive system that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, especially those who have suffered due to systemic failures.