Overview

• The Infected Blood Inquiry reopened hearings to address delays and inadequacies in the government’s compensation scheme for victims of the NHS’s contaminated blood scandal.
• Despite £11.8 billion being allocated for compensation, only 106 payments have been made, leaving victims frustrated and fearing they may not live to see justice.
• Victims and campaigners criticized the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and government officials for poor engagement, narrow eligibility criteria, and a complex claims process.
• Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds apologized on behalf of the state, acknowledged decades of government failures, and pledged to push for faster payments, while admitting some victims will die before receiving compensation.
• Campaigners called for urgent reforms to simplify the process, widen eligibility, and ensure timely justice for the thousands still waiting for redress.