Grant Shapps Expresses Internal Anger and Urges Swift Action Ahead of Infected Blood Inquiry Report

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps expressed internal anger regarding the contaminated blood scandal during a discussion with Sky News, stating that the government will promptly respond to the conclusions reached by Sir Brian Langstaff's inquiry into the prolonged wrongdoing.

Political correspondent @Journoamrogers

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 12:

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The defense secretary expressed internal anger regarding the contaminated blood scandal as he anticipates a long-awaited report addressing the prolonged injustice.

Grant Shapps expressed to Sky News his agreement that it had been one of the government's most "shameful failures," noting his dismay at the "absence of accountability."

The results of a public investigation into the controversy, led by Sir Brian Langstaff, are expected to be released on Monday.

Between the 1970s and the 1990s, the NHS was involved in a major health scandal where many individuals, estimated in the tens of thousands, received blood transfusions or blood products that were tainted. As a result, numerous recipients contracted hepatitis, HIV, or in some instances, both infections.

It is estimated that the incident resulted in approximately 3,000 fatalities.

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During his appearance on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Mr. Shapps described the scandal as a "massive injustice that requires correction," and confirmed that the government would respond to the report's findings.

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He mentioned that although he has not reviewed the report, he is optimistic that it will recognize the suffering and losses of families and prompt an appropriate response from the government.

Mr. Shapps mentioned that he had conversations with family members of various victims, among them a couple grieving the loss of their son. He shared that hearing their accounts stirred feelings of anger within him.

He continued, "It infuriated me that they lost their son and yet no one was held accountable, which is why I believe the upcoming report is so crucial."

Previous administrations have faced criticism for their lack of accountability, and the present government is being charged with postponing payments to the affected parties following the establishment of an investigation initiated by Theresa May in 2017.

Stay updated on the most recent developments from the UK and international news by tuning into Sky News.

It is believed that the total cost of compensation might now surpass £10 billion.

The defense secretary acknowledged that the process of issuing compensation to the victims had been excessively prolonged.

He stated: "This is a huge unfairness that must be corrected.

"I understand that the government has promised action. I anticipate that tomorrow's report will be significant for that family and others, and I expect the government will aim to respond promptly."

When queried if Prime Minister Rishi Sunak planned to apologize to the victims, Mr. Shapps stated, "I don't want to give the wrong impression as I do not have unique knowledge on the matter."

Further Reading: Parents Claim 7-Year-Old Was Subjected to Clandestine Blood ExperimentsDoctor Expresses Shock Over Medical ScandalBlood Samples Allegedly Taken from UK Prison Inmates

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Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting conveyed to Trevor Phillips his anticipation that "successive governments" would face criticism in Sir Brian's report.

"He stated that each person holds their own accountability in this dreadful scandal, and collectively, we have a duty to correct it."

"The need for action is urgent."

Sir Brian is scheduled to present his concluding report shortly after noon on Monday.

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