UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Inquiry chair Brian Langstaff condemned ministers for ignoring infected blood victims and called for a faster, fairer compensation system.
As reported by The Guardian, the inquiry head criticised ministers for failing to listen to infected blood victims and demanded a revamp of the compensation scheme.
Since 1970, over 30,000 people received contaminated blood, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths, with activists warning many more face death without justice.
What did Sir Brian Langstaff say about the infected blood compensation?
Sir Brian Langstaff, chair of the infected blood inquiry and author of the report, said,
“For decades, people who suffered because of infected blood have not been listened to. Once again, decisions have been made behind closed doors, leading to obvious injustices.”
He said,
“The UK government has known for years that compensation for thousands of people was inevitable and had identified many of those who should have it. But only 460 have received compensation so far, and many, many more have not even been allowed to begin the process.”
Mr Langstaff called for affected individuals to initiate compensation claims without waiting for a government invitation. He also urged giving priority to older and critically ill applicants nearing the end of life.
The inquiry chair called on the government to review the scheme, including excluding those infected with HIV before 1982, without explanation. He criticised the tough requirements for psychological harm claims and limited medical experiment victims to certain hospitals.
The report called for increased payouts for patients given interferon for hepatitis, citing its serious, life-altering effects, including psychosis and depression.
Mr Langstaff expressed that the compensation body should act more transparently and openly. He suggested involving victims and their families in scheme decisions and creating a better complaints system.
He condemned the “sluggish pace” of the scheme, raising “grave concern regarding the delay in compensation being delivered.” He pointed out “the lack of any clear timescales,” leaving victims in limbo and enduring “a significant degree of distress and anxiety.”
The inquiry highlighted that the expert group was “precluded from direct contact with anyone who had been infected or affected.” He added that the 2024 election timing reduced interaction with these groups and shortened the government’s review time.
Key facts about blood-infected patients
Scale of the tragedy
- Over 30,000 people were infected via the NHS blood between the 1970s–90s.
- More than 3,000 have died; many more still await justice.
Compensation delays
- Only 460 people have been fully paid as of July 2025.
- Just £326m out of £11.8bn has been distributed.
- Thousands are still waiting to apply or hear back.
Exclusions & injustices
- Victims infected with HIV before 1982 are excluded without reason.
Claims for mental health harm need 6 months of treatment proof. - Interferon-treated hepatitis patients got little support.
System failures
- Victims weren’t asked before the scheme was made.
- Expert groups couldn’t talk to affected families.
Human impact
- Over 100 more deaths since 2024 due to delays.
- Families feel ignored, tired, and deeply distressed.
Government response
- £11.8bn promised, but progress is slow and unclear.
- The 2024 elections rushed the process without fixing issues.