The Infected Blood Inquiry has issued a statement confirming that it will formally conclude on 31 March 2026.
The Chair of the Inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, has written to the infected and affected community explaining the reasons for bringing the inquiry to a close at this stage and confirming that he considers its Terms of Reference to have been fulfilled. Sir Brian’s letter can be read here.
The Infected Blood Inquiry was established in 2017 to examine the circumstances surrounding the use of contaminated blood and blood products in the UK, and the devastating impact on the lives of those infected and affected. Its final report was published in May 2024, following extensive evidence from individuals and families, as well as clinicians, civil servants and politicians.
Although the final report had been completed, the inquiry remained open to monitor progress on compensation and the implementation of its recommendations. This led to the unprecedented decision to hold further hearings and publish an Additional Report in July 2025, after concerns were raised by the community about the lack of progress, transparency in decision making, and prioritisation within the compensation scheme.
Today’s announcement does not affect current or future compensation claims. The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme will continue.
Haemophilia Scotland’s Director, Alan Martin, said:
“The announcement of a UK Public Inquiry in 2017 was met with understandable wariness by the community, following the frustration in the aftermath of the Scottish Penrose Inquiry. Those concerns were soon dispelled however by the empathy and compassion shown by Sir Brian Langstaff and his team. In particular, Sir Brian’s determination to uncover the full truth of what had occurred helped to rebuild trust within our community, ensuring that people’s experiences would not only be heard but also believed and treated with respect.
The Inquiry’s Final Report stands as a testament to the diligence and integrity that characterised its work throughout. Everyone at Haemophilia Scotland wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the way the inquiry was conducted and for the continuing impact of its recommendations.”
All documents disclosed during the Inquiry will be transferred to The National Archives, and the Inquiry website will remain accessible as a public record of its work.
Further details, including the Sir Brian Langstaff’s full statement and the process being undertaken to archive the data held, are available here.