MPs support campaign for justice for victims of NHS contaminated blood
Newly elected Labour MPs Keir Starmer, Tulip Siddiq and Catherine West have all pledged their resounding support for the campaign to seek justice for victims of the NHS contaminated blood scandal.
They have called on the government to secure a fair deal for all blood victims affected by HIV or hepatitis C contracted from tainted blood.
A number of constituents have contacted Keir Starmer, MP for Holborn and St Pancras and a former director of public prosecutions, about the issue since he took office in May.
He said: “Anyone who’s in my constituency who wants to raise the issue with me shouldn’t hesitate to do so.
“In a sense I can speak with a louder voice the more individuals I speak for.
“So long as the campaign keeps going, so long as there are more victims, in the end there will be a greater justice.
“But these campaigns are usually long-fought and hard-won.”
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Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq also has constituents who were infected and has written to the secretary of state for health.
She said: “My heart goes out to all of those who have been affected.
“The effect on their social and working lives has been considerable, and I know that many have been left in poverty and unable to work because of this tragedy.
“All are blameless, and it is incumbent on politicians to give them the financial support necessary to live the rest of their lives in dignity.”
She called on the government to quickly provide an update on how £25million, promised by David Cameron to work out a better system of payment for victims, will be used.
Hornsey and Wood Green MP Catherine West said: “What happened was appalling, and it is essential that David Cameron and the government move urgently to address the concerns raised by those who have been affected and their families.
“I would be happy to raise questions in Parliament.”
Campaign group Tainted Blood are urging people to write to their MP so they can push the issue in the House of Commons.
A petition calling for “a public inquiry to force the government to tell the truth” can be signed at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/nhs-contaminated-blood-scandal
