“Yesterday we heard the harrowing conclusion of Sir Brian
Langstaff's inquiry on infected blood. The report lays bare the
many failings of successive governments, including historic
failings in my own department. As the Secretary of State, I
apologise unreservedly for the actions which have hurt and harmed
so many people, culminating in the damning conclusions of the
report.
“Instances of the destruction of records and withholding of
information are shocking and unacceptable. This should not have
happened and must never happen again. We will study the report to
make sure the lessons of Sir Brian's Inquiry are learned and that
these mistakes can never be repeated.
“I give my sincere thanks to all of the victims, families and
campaigners for sharing their pain and for their fortitude in
pursuing the truth over many decades, as well as to Sir Brian for
his meticulous and comprehensive analysis. I am working with the
NHS Business Services Authority to ensure that all those eligible
receive a second interim payment of £210,000 as soon as possible.
“This terrible history of failures, experiments, disbelief, and
cover ups has stolen the lives of victims and their families;
instead of birthdays, careers, freedoms and joy, the victims'
lives are measured in pain, mental anguish, the crushing burden
of stigma and the agony of wondering what could have been. Never
again.”
