UK announces compensation package for victims of tainted blood scandal

UK announces compensation package for victims of tainted blood scandal

The announcement follows the release of a report blaming UK officials for failures that caused over 3,000 deaths.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologised for the scandal on Monday, adding that those affected would receive ‘comprehensive compensation’. (Pool/AP pic)
LONDON:
The UK said on Tuesday that it would begin making further interim compensation payments to the victims of the contaminated blood and blood products scandal.

“The government will be making further interim payments ahead of the establishment of the full scheme,” minister John Glen told parliament, a day after a damning report blamed successive governments, officials, and doctors for failures that resulted in more than 3,000 deaths.

“Payments of £210,000 will be made to living infected beneficiaries,” he added.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a “wholehearted unequivocal apology for this terrible injustice” on Monday, adding that those affected would receive “comprehensive compensation”.

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