Advocates for victims of infected blood are demanding expedited compensation, marking the first anniversary of a public inquiry report dubbed the most severe treatment disaster in NHS history.
“We are losing lives quickly; the government must act just as swiftly, rather than merely discussing the issue,” remarked one advocate on Tuesday as a letter urging action was submitted to the prime minister.
Diana Johnson, a minister and longtime supporter of victims in her role as a Labour MP, expressed her “disappointment” at the sluggish pace of progress.
In response, Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds stated that the government is “dedicated to providing compensation as promptly as possible.”
Over 30,000 individuals in the UK were infected with HIV, hepatitis C, or both due to contaminated blood products distributed in the 1970s and 1980s, resulting in approximately 3,000 fatalities.
In his final report released a year ago, inquiry chair Sir Brian Langstaff noted that the scandal was largely preventable and highlighted systemic failures.
Campaigners anticipated prompt compensation; however, only 100 individuals have received payouts to date.
On Tuesday, they gathered in Westminster to deliver a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, expressing frustration over the lack of advancement.
“A year after the Infected Blood Inquiry’s shocking report, there remains significant discontent from the contaminated blood community regarding the ongoing political inaction,” the letter stated.
“As discussed during the Inquiry’s reconvened hearings on May 7, 2025, the community’s perspective was ignored in the creation of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, which contains inherent flaws that could have been easily identified.”
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Diana Johnson MP, currently a Home Office Minister, acknowledged the campaigners’ concerns and expressed her understanding of their position.
“It’s disappointing to recognize the slow pace of the process, and I completely understand the concerns of those assembled today who are eager to see payments distributed,” she commented.
“With an average of one death every couple of weeks, these payments must be expedited. The funds are available.”
When asked about leveraging her ministerial role to advocate on their behalf, she clarified that she was speaking to the BBC as a constituency MP.
Jacqueline Wrixton, who contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion, remarked: “It’s been a year since the hopeful recommendations, yet, as an infected individual… with statistics showing approximately two deaths weekly, we are still awaiting payment.”
“We are losing lives rapidly; the government must move quickly, not just engage in dialogue. We demand to see decisive actions.”
Cabinet Office minister Thomas-Symonds stated: “The victims of this tragedy have endured unimaginable suffering.
“After decades of stagnation, the responsibility to act now falls to this government. We are implementing the inquiry’s 12 recommendations to ensure this never recurs and to provide justice for the victims.
“While no compensation can completely offset the pain experienced, we remain committed to delivering it as swiftly as we can.”