Clive Lewis For Norwich South
Last night, New Clause 27 passed, meaning a body will be established to pay compensation to those infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal.
I supported New Clause 27, along with a series of other amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill which advocated for the Government to ramp up action for those affected by the contaminated blood scandal.
This news should be celebrated. A significant achievement for all those who have campaigned tirelessly for justice on this issue.
Thank you to Diana Johnson MP, who tabled the amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill.
I also met with two constituents outside Downing Street, Steve (second image) and Dr Ben (third image).
Steve was infected through contaminated blood aged 7. He now suffers from hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver. He told me that the infection has been taking its toll for over 45 years.
Dr Ben was not a victim of the scandal himself, but his mother sadly passed away as a result of infected blood. He told me that his mother would have been ecstatic about the result of last night’s vote and that it was an inspiring moment to watch Diana Johnson’s New Clause 37 pass through the House.
It is clear to me that this scandal must be resolved immediately, compensation for the victims is only a first step.
From dumping sewage into our rivers to ripping off the poorest on energy bills, it is evident that corporations cannot be trusted to prioritise the wellbeing of people. The contaminated blood scandal has shown what happens when we prioritise profit over health, people suffer. We need an urgent rethink of who our Government and economy serve.