Earlier today, the Infected Blood Inquiry announced on its website that further hearings will be held on 7–8 May to examine the timeliness and adequacy of the UK Government’s response to compensation since the publication of the Inquiry’s Final Report nearly a year ago.
Details of the provisional timetable for both days, including a link to register to attend the hearings, are available in the article here.
On the first day, the hearings will begin with a panel comprising infected and affected individuals, campaigners, and organisations, including Haemophilia Scotland.
In the afternoon, the Inquiry will hear evidence from Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, who is responsible for delivering the Infected Blood Inquiry’s recommendations.
The second day will include evidence from Sir Robert Francis, Interim Chair of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, and David Foley, Interim Chief Executive. The hearings will conclude with evidence from James Quinault, the senior official within the Cabinet Office leading the response.
Our Chair, John Dearden, said this on today’s announcement:
“The decision of the Inquiry is to be welcomed and recognises the extensive concerns within the infected blood community over the design and implementation of the compensation scheme. A scheme that was developed behind closed door, with little or no involvement from those at the centre of this scandal.
Sir Brian’s constructive aim in re-opening the Inquiry hearings to identify what actions can be taken by the Government and Infected Blood Compensation Authority to address the many concerns raised is to be applauded. We can only hope that the Government finally listen to the community.”
For anyone who cannot attend in person, the hearings will be streamed on the Inquiry’s YouTube channel during and available afterwards.
Core participants will also be invited to send written submissions to the Inquiry before 23 May 2025. This, along with the evidence gathered during the hearings, will assist Inquiry Chair Sir Brian Langstaff on producing an Additional Report on the UK Government’s response since the publication of Inquiry’s Final Report last May.