Cornwall blood scandal victim raises concerns about 'rushed' compensation

The government says parliament will aim to pass a bill ahead of the election to ensure victims are compensated as soon as possible

Author: Megan PricePublished 24th May 2024
Last updated 24th May 2024

A blood scandal victim from Cornwall has concerns compensation will be rushed through, following the announcement of the general election.

More than 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from 1970 to 1991 by contaminated blood products.

The final inquiry report was released on Monday 20 May.

The government says parliament will aim to pass a bill ahead of the election to ensure victims are compensated as soon as possible, while Labour say they're pleased it would be set up in time.

Kevin Roberts from Hayle was infected following a tooth extraction when he was 12. He said: "In quite a few cases still, there will be deaths before they get their second interim payment and there will be even more deaths before they're fully compensated."

Transport Secretary & Conservative politician Mark Harper told us it is vital to get compensation sorted for victims of the Infected Blood / Post Office inquiry.

He said: "The Prime Minister apologised on behalf of government since the 1970s for the failures of the state. It's really important we can deliver compensation for people. Also the post office legislation to make sure all those victims of the huge miscarriage of justice to get the justice they deserve."

Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told us she was pleased compensation for victims of the Infected Blood and Horizon scandals would be set up in time.

She said: "We really want to see it go through to have the proper compensation system set up for the victims of infected blood, the terrible terrible scandal, and also post office compensation to be in place as well.

"There's strong cross-party support there."

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