Date: 20 May 2025
Today marks the first anniversary of the publication of the Final Report from the UK Infected Blood Inquiry.
For many within the infected and affected community, the Inquiry’s Final Report marked the first time that the true scale of this tragedy, and the profound harms endured by so many over decades, were fully recognised. While its publication marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for thousands, serious concerns remain about flaws in some of the regulations for the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, introduced by the UK Government in the months following the Final Report.
In solidarity with these concerns, Haemophilia Scotland has sent a letter to the UK Prime Minister. The letter was hand-delivered at 11:00am this morning to No. 10 Downing Street by a delegation of patient organisations and campaign representatives. It outlines our ongoing concerns about certain aspects of the compensation framework that could have been avoided through greater engagement with the infected and affected community. The letter also highlights the unacceptable delays in the delivery of compensation. Delays that are causing additional harm and distress to those who have already endured so much.
Although we are not physically present in London today, Haemophilia Scotland stands firmly with our colleagues across the UK who continue to press for urgent action. Our letter is intended to amplify their voices and ensure that the views of the Scottish bleeding disorders community are clearly heard at the highest levels of government.
We have also shared a copy of our letter with the First Minister of Scotland to ensure the Scottish Government is fully informed of our position. We believe both the UK and Scottish Governments continue to have vital roles to play in delivering the long-overdue justice owed to all those impacted by the infected blood scandal, and we urge them to do everything within their power to fulfil that responsibility.