Infected Blood Scandal Inquiry: Call for Prosecutions
The final report from the inquiry into the infected blood scandal will be released, calling for prosecutions of those responsible for infecting over 30,000 patients with hepatitis C and HIV, resulting in around 3,000 deaths. A ten billion pound compensation package will be announced, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt acknowledging the scandal as the worst of his lifetime. Labour leader Keir Starmer urges immediate action for justice and compensation.
The long-awaited final report from the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal, chaired by former judge Sir Brian Langstaff, is due to be released on Monday.
Set up in 2017 under Theresa May's government, the inquiry investigates the largest treatment disaster in NHS history, where over 30,000 patients were infected with hepatitis C and HIV from contaminated blood products, leading to around 3,000 deaths.
The report is expected to recommend prosecutions, potentially including former or current NHS officials, although civil or criminal liability is beyond the inquiry’s scope.
In conjunction with the report, a £10bn compensation package will be announced by the Treasury, led by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
Hunt described the scandal as the 'worst of my lifetime,' expressing regret for the prolonged inaction by politicians.
Legal experts like Des Collins and Ben Harrison note the complexity of potential prosecutions, particularly for charges like corporate manslaughter.
Comparisons are drawn to a similar scandal in France, where high-profile figures faced manslaughter charges, although differences in legal and institutional cultures make comparable outcomes in the UK uncertain.
Labour leader Keir Starmer called for immediate justice and compensation for the victims, criticizing the delay and promising Labour's cooperation in ensuring timely resolutions.
Set up in 2017 under Theresa May's government, the inquiry investigates the largest treatment disaster in NHS history, where over 30,000 patients were infected with hepatitis C and HIV from contaminated blood products, leading to around 3,000 deaths.
The report is expected to recommend prosecutions, potentially including former or current NHS officials, although civil or criminal liability is beyond the inquiry’s scope.
In conjunction with the report, a £10bn compensation package will be announced by the Treasury, led by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
Hunt described the scandal as the 'worst of my lifetime,' expressing regret for the prolonged inaction by politicians.
Legal experts like Des Collins and Ben Harrison note the complexity of potential prosecutions, particularly for charges like corporate manslaughter.
Comparisons are drawn to a similar scandal in France, where high-profile figures faced manslaughter charges, although differences in legal and institutional cultures make comparable outcomes in the UK uncertain.
Labour leader Keir Starmer called for immediate justice and compensation for the victims, criticizing the delay and promising Labour's cooperation in ensuring timely resolutions.
