Today, a number of those infected and affected by the infected blood scandal met with Oliver Dowden (Cabinet Office Minister) and Nadine Dorries (Health Minister) at The Cabinet Office in London seeking a Government commitment to begin working on a framework for compensation similar to that which has been in existence in the Republic of Ireland for over 20 years.

The proposals put forward have been firmly rejected.

Des Collins, Senior Partner at Collins Solicitors representing over 1,400 people in relation to the Infected Blood Public Inquiry, comments:

“The Government is being intransigent. Today the Cabinet Office have said that their hands are tied in relation to the issue of paying compensation because of the ongoing Public Inquiry.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. The Inquiry cannot determine civil or criminal liability – nor can it award compensation.

This meeting today would have been a good opportunity to agree to settle the (concurrent, but currently stayed group litigation) and to start a serious discussion around compensation. It is a terrible missed opportunity that will have a real impact on those affected’s lives.

The Government has admitted liability at previous Inquiries and paid compensation while allowing the Inquiry to get to the bottom of why this scandal happened, who was responsible and to help make sure this type of thing never happens again.”

ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Des Collins, Senior Partner, Collins Solicitors, T) 01923 223 324, M) 07831 522 540 dcollins@collinslaw.co.uk
Danielle Holliday, Partner, Collins Solicitors, T) 01923 223 324, M) 07540 531 753 dholliday@collinslaw.co.uk
Will Hulbert, PR, T) 01603 431 936, M) 07774 108 699 will@hulbertandco.com