Helen Morgan raises suffering of constituents at Infected Blood Inquiry Statement

Helen Morgan MP spoke in the House of Commons this week to raise the suffering of constituents who have endured lifelong health implications as a result of being treated with infected blood.

Helen attended the statement on the Infected Blood Inquiry and raised the desperately sad case of one constituent who lost their brother and cousin as a result of contaminated blood used as a treatment for haemophilia.

Helen also mentioned constituent Karen Pearce, who was infected with contaminated blood and who continues to suffer from on-going ill-health as a result.

The MP raised concern at the Conservatives’ track record in scandals and institutional cover-ups while in Government and urged the Minister to commit to a duty of candour to prevent mistakes like this from happening again.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said afterwards, “The number of scandals which have been covered up at an institutional level under the Government has been staggering.

“I have been deeply moved by the testimonies of constituents who were victims of contaminated blood.

“The victims of this tragedy deserve justice as soon as possible under the incoming Government, and a duty of candour must be established so mistakes like this never happens again”.

Speaking in the Commons, Helen Morgan asked the Minister, “I want to acknowledge three of my constituents who have been in touch over the past few weeks: one lost her brother and her cousin as a result of treatment for haemophilia; and two, including Karen Pearce, have suffered lifelong health problems as a result of being infected.

“I have been in this place for rather less time than many of my colleagues—less than two and a half years—but, just in that short period, I am struck by the number of scandals involving huge institutional cover-ups.

“I echo the comment, made by colleagues from all parties, that we must have a duty of candour, because we will repeat mistakes again and again until we have that.”

John Glen, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, responded, “I thank the hon. Lady for point about a duty of candour, which several hon. Members have made. The Government will reflect very carefully and respond in due course.”