For several years, we have been vocal in calling for the Government to grant an inquiry into the scandal and to bring justice to the sufferers and the families and loved ones of those who sadly passed away.
Dame Diana Johnson MP and I secured a debate in Parliament regarding the Infected Blood Inquiry and compensation framework during which I was privileged to speak.
I have a deep personal connection with the contaminated blood scandal. My mother and my wife have both been necessitated to have blood tests because of concerns of exposure, I know the fear and I understand the difficulties faced by so many.
It has been over 32 years since I first started working with the Haemophilia Society to try to get proper recognition of the effect being contaminated with infected blood would have on people and their households.
Until now, no government has accepted liability, but over the past year we have seen progress with the inquiry and parliamentary review panel established to look into the scandal and avenues for necessary compensation.
I believe the Government is now beginning to respond in the right way.
We owe a debt to the judge and his helpers, we owe a debt to Dame Diana Johnson MP for her tireless work and cooperation on this important issue, we owe a debt to Sir Robert Francis for his decisive study into the scandal, and we owe an enormous debt to the families themselves who have brought the necessary focus to this subject with dignity and great persistence.
