tv BBC News Now BBC News May 20, 2024 12:30pm-1:01pm BST
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pack many i can remember and a pack many decades to the beginning of the scandal in the 19705. the chair a5 scandal in the 19705. the chair as saying that successive governments, and to an extent the nhs were responsible and their leaders have failed consistently the victims of this terrible scandal. to take some quotes from sir brian langstaff in the report, it is a catalogue of failures, one that could largely have been avoided and it should have been. thi5 have been avoided and it should have been. this is something that didn't need to happen. evenjudged by modern day standards. he is quite clear that yes things were different backin clear that yes things were different back in the 705 and 805, the early 905, but he is taking a judgment that he thinks is reasonable and this is the sort of conclusion he has come true. i have to report
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5y5temic individual failures to deal ethically, appropriately and quickly to deal with the infections and blood when the risks materiali5ed and the consequences for thousands of families. he says the scale is horrifying with this estimate of more than 3,000 deaths attributed to infected blood and blood products. i could go on taken quote5 like this. the di5aster wa5 could go on taken quote5 like this. the di5aster was not an accident, patients were knowingly expo5ed the di5aster was not an accident, patients were knowingly exposed to unexpected unacceptable ri5k patients were knowingly exposed to unexpected unacceptable risk of infection. there were repeated failures by governments and the nhs to acknowledge that patients should not have been infected. there was an absence of any meaningful apology. the repeated use by government of inaccurate and defensive line5 the repeated use by government of inaccurate and defensive lines to take including truly telling people that they had received the best treatment available, and the
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deliberate destruction of some documents and the loss of many others. there are criticisms of government going right back down the decades, the conservative government and labour government, and for this current government there is certainly criticism for not calling a public inquiry before they did in 2017. that was under there5a may. there5a may then called the inquiry and since then there is an acknowledgement by sir bryan that the government has responded to his call for interim compensation, which was paid out in august 2022, but there hasn't been an adequate re5pon5e there hasn't been an adequate response to sir brian langstaff�*s call in april 2023 for a full compensation scheme to be setup last year so it was ready for today. that is certainly a criticism of the current administration, along with all the criticisms of other ministers and governments down the years. we
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ministers and governments down the ears. ~ u, , ministers and governments down the ears, ~ , ., ministers and governments down the ears. ~ , ., ministers and governments down the ears, ~ , ., ., ministers and governments down the ears. ~ , ., ., ., years. we can listen to some of what sir brian has — years. we can listen to some of what sir brian has had _ years. we can listen to some of what sir brian has had to _ years. we can listen to some of what sir brian has had to say. _ what i have been looking at are people from families across the uk who've gone into hospital for treatment. and over 30,000 have come out with infections which were life shattering. and 33,000 of those have died and deaths keep on happening week by week. what i've found is that di5aster was no accident. people put their trust in doctors and the government to keep them safe and that trust was betrayed. and then the government compounded the agony by telling them that nothing wrong had been done, that they'd had the best available treatment, and that as soon as tests were available they were introduced. and both of those statements were untrue. that's why what i'm recommending is that compensation must be paid now
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and i've made various other recommendations to help to make the future of the nhs better and treatment safer. so there we heard a little bit from sir brian langstaff. there is so much to pick, but what i wanted to ask you about was the deliberate destruction of documents. 0ne ask you about was the deliberate destruction of documents. one thing that you and i have both found when speaking to relatives or survivors of this scandal is they believe this is a cover—up, they were saying that something was wrong for years and nobody was listening to them. is that no evidence that it was a cover—up? 5ir that no evidence that it was a cover-up?— that no evidence that it was a cover-u? ,, �* . , h, cover-up? sir brian in his report uses the word _ cover-up? sir brian in his report uses the word cover-up - cover-up? sir brian in his report uses the word cover-up and - uses the word cover—up and acknowledges that that is the way people saw lights, which he thinks is reasonable. he thinks a better way of putting it is hiding the truth, and for a government that is pretty damning. hiding the truth is
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possibly even a stronger charge against the government and a cover—up. 0n the destruction of documents he said some documents mysteriously went missing going back to the 19705 and were destroyed by a civil servant. to the 19705 and were destroyed by a civilservant. he to the 19705 and were destroyed by a civil servant. he certainly seems to think that is pretty suspicious. subsequently, he is clear that there was destruction of documents in line with civil servants. we don't think it is ministers but civil service and others being worried about compensation bills that might emerge and the need to reflect back on the failure to identify hepatitis c patients for example. the british state in essence has failed and has covered up and has hidden the truth and he does say at one point it will be astonishing to anyone who views this report that these events should have happened in the uk. i think there is a lot of pause for thought
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here. 0bviously there is a lot of pause for thought here. obviously the victims and their campaign groups we see behind us here, those i have spoken to are pleased that he up with these findings, which i think will feel is a vindication, but there is a lot for those in westminster to reflect on and those who have held roles in government before. it will not make easy reading for politicians. fix, easy reading for politicians. a difficult day indeed. hugh pym, thank you forjoining us. you touched on the political challenges now that report is out and we are expecting to hear from politicians, the government, maybe even the prime minister himself later this afternoon reacting to that report. there is even some speculation that the prime minister might apologise on behalf of the government. of course, we will see what happens with that throughout the afternoon. joining me now is roger newman.
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he has been impacted by this scandal. thank you very much for joining us. you are wearing a tie, of course in the colours of the haemophilia cause. i of course in the colours of the haemophilia cause.— of course in the colours of the haemophilia cause. i was born with haemophilia- _ haemophilia cause. i was born with haemophilia. at _ haemophilia cause. i was born with haemophilia. at the _ haemophilia cause. i was born with haemophilia. at the age _ haemophilia cause. i was born with haemophilia. at the age of - haemophilia cause. i was born with haemophilia. at the age of seven l haemophilia cause. i was born with| haemophilia. at the age of seven or eight i was then moved onto this high risk product called factor viii concentrate. soon after i started developing symptoms, i had hepatitis a and then hepatitis b, had jaundice, became very unwell. even at that point of my life i remember feeling dirty because i was told i could not share drinks or cutlery. i had this fear of passing something on. at the age of 16 i was told that i had been diagnosed with hiv and probably had a couple of years to
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live. it was a horrendous time of fear, of stigma, of discrimination, not knowing who we could talk to and just living this absolute dread of dying of aids. i could see people around me, other haemophiliacs were getting ill very quickly, and just never knowing when it might be my time. later on then i was diagnosed with hepatitis c and finally exposed to variant cjd through the treatment, as well. it feels like pretty much all of the viruses out there that are fatal we have endured and, unfortunately, so many have passed away and it is always on the back of my mind knowing that i am still alive, back of my mind knowing that i am stillalive, but back of my mind knowing that i am still alive, but so many have gone and that it is horrific. this
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still alive, but so many have gone and that it is horrific.— and that it is horrific. this has been a report _ and that it is horrific. this has been a report that _ and that it is horrific. this has been a report that you - and that it is horrific. this has been a report that you and . and that it is horrific. this has been a report that you and so| and that it is horrific. this has - been a report that you and so many other campaigners have waited for four years to come out. what is your initial reaction? it four years to come out. what is your initial reaction?— initial reaction? it makes me feel sick. i initial reaction? it makes me feel sick- i have _ initial reaction? it makes me feel sick. i have known _ initial reaction? it makes me feel sick. i have known so _ initial reaction? it makes me feel sick. i have known so much - initial reaction? it makes me feel sick. i have known so much of. initial reaction? it makes me feel| sick. i have known so much of the evidence, i heard it over the years, it is very powerful to have it told and believed. it is horrendous the amount of abuse that has been done towards us from the states. so many years and decades we have been feeling totally powerless and helpless against the government and speaking up, speaking out and finally we feel like our voice has been heard and the truth is now being presented. i been heard and the truth is now being presented.— been heard and the truth is now being presented. i think you might hear from the _ being presented. i think you might hear from the prime _ being presented. i think you might hear from the prime minister - being presented. i think you might hear from the prime minister later| hear from the prime minister later today, we are about to hear from the factor viii campaign group is to
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givea factor viii campaign group is to give a press conference, but what would you like to hear from the prime minister? it is would you like to hear from the prime minister?— would you like to hear from the prime minister? it is more about what he does — prime minister? it is more about what he does and _ prime minister? it is more about what he does and what - prime minister? it is more about what he does and what he - prime minister? it is more about what he does and what he says. | prime minister? it is more about - what he does and what he says. what he says will be a response to public pressure and political pressure i want him to acknowledge that they have, successive governments have notjust made mistakes, but consciously hidden the truth from us and that they are liable for so many deaths. it is notjust good enough to say that we are sorry for your suffering. it needs to be matched by action and it needs to be matched by immediate compensation because there are two people dying every week and so many people have never been able to see justice, so we need to see action, notjust words. we to see justice, so we need to see action, notjust words.— action, not 'ust words. we are expecting — action, notjust words. we are expecting to — action, notjust words. we are expecting to hear— action, notjust words. we are expecting to hear from - action, notjust words. we are expecting to hear from the - action, notjust words. we are i expecting to hear from the factor viii campaign group, they will give a press conference in a few moments.
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new talk about all your friends, your fellow campaigners. let's have a listen into the news conference. today proves that it can happen in the uk and it did happen in the uk andi the uk and it did happen in the uk and ijust feel validated and vindicated by sir brian and his report today. i vindicated by sir brian and his report today-— vindicated by sir brian and his reort toda . ., ~ ., . ., report today. i would like to echo those thoughts. _ report today. i would like to echo those thoughts. i— report today. i would like to echo those thoughts. i think _ report today. i would like to echo| those thoughts. i think everybody today— those thoughts. i think everybody today has — those thoughts. i think everybody today has read of the disasters that unfolded _ today has read of the disasters that unfolded and sir brian has been very thorough _ unfolded and sir brian has been very thorough and has not minced his words _ thorough and has not minced his words. sir— thorough and has not minced his words. ,, �* ., ., , thorough and has not minced his words. ,, �* ., ., words. sir brian has told the truth toda , words. sir brian has told the truth today. and — words. sir brian has told the truth today. and it _ words. sir brian has told the truth today. and it is — words. sir brian has told the truth today, and it is important - words. sir brian has told the truth today, and it is important we - words. sir brian has told the truth | today, and it is important we carry on telling — today, and it is important we carry on telling that _ today, and it is important we carry on telling that truth _ today, and it is important we carry on telling that truth so _ today, and it is important we carry on telling that truth so this - on telling that truth so this cover-up _ on telling that truth so this cover—up doesn't _ on telling that truth so this cover—up doesn't get - on telling that truth so this . cover—up doesn't get covered on telling that truth so this - cover—up doesn't get covered up again _
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cover—up doesn't get covered up again it — cover—up doesn't get covered up again it is — cover—up doesn't get covered up again it is a _ cover—up doesn't get covered up again. it is a really— cover—up doesn't get covered up again. it is a really important. cover—up doesn't get covered upi again. it is a really important day for that — again. it is a really important day for that. ., ~' , again. it is a really important day for that. ., ~ , , for that. for me the key findings are that commercial _ for that. for me the key findings are that commercial factor- for that. for me the key findings i are that commercial factor products never should have been licensed for use. that is an incredibly strong finding of the report enterprise and it will be hoped he would do, he took the knowledge of this back to the 19405 and 19505. it is a credit to everybody who has campaigned on this over three or four decades. can i aet our this over three or four decades. can i get your reaction to the report conctusion— i get your reaction to the report conclusion that _ i get your reaction to the report conclusion that there _ i get your reaction to the report conclusion that there was - i get your reaction to the report. conclusion that there was evidence of a conclusion that there was evidence ofa cover-up— conclusion that there was evidence ofa cover-up over— conclusion that there was evidence of a cover—up over the _ conclusion that there was evidence of a cover—up over the years - conclusion that there was evidence of a cover—up over the years since i of a cover—up over the years since the additional— of a cover—up over the years since the additional roms _ of a cover—up over the years since the additional roms happen- of a cover—up over the years since the additional roms happen back| of a cover—up over the years since i the additional roms happen back in the additional roms happen back in the 19705— the additional roms happen back in the 19705 and — the additional roms happen back in the 19705 and 805. _ the additional roms happen back in the 19705 and 805. my— the additional roms happen back in the 1970s and 80s.— the 1970s and 80s. my reaction to the 1970s and 80s. my reaction to the fact that _ the 1970s and 80s. my reaction to the fact that there _ the 1970s and 80s. my reaction to the fact that there has _ the 1970s and 80s. my reaction to the fact that there has been - the 1970s and 80s. my reaction to the fact that there has been a - the fact that there has been a cover—up, to our community that is no surprise. we have known that for decades and now the country news on
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the world knows, as well. the fact that gibran has exposed that there was a deliberate temp two lie and conceal, and notjust by one person either, this was systemic, by government, by civil servants, health care professionals. that really rocks we think of as a society and challenges the trust that we put on people to look after us, to do their best to protect us. none of that can be taken for granted any more. i none of that can be taken for granted any more.— none of that can be taken for granted any more. i would like to add that i granted any more. i would like to add that l think _ granted any more. i would like to add that l think the _ granted any more. i would like to add that i think the deliberate - add that i think the deliberate destruction of records echoes start. it is also _ destruction of records echoes start. it is also how we were treated, as welt _ it is also how we were treated, as welt sir_ it is also how we were treated, as welt sir brian _ it is also how we were treated, as well. sir brian brings— it is also how we were treated, as well. sir brian brings to _ it is also how we were treated, as well. sir brian brings to the - it is also how we were treated, as well. sir brian brings to the poor. well. sir brian brings to the poor about— well. sir brian brings to the poor about how— well. sir brian brings to the poor about how the _ well. sir brian brings to the poor about how the scheme _ well. sir brian brings to the poor about how the scheme set - well. sir brian brings to the poor about how the scheme set up i well. sir brian brings to the poor about how the scheme set up to| about how the scheme set up to support— about how the scheme set up to support us— about how the scheme set up to support us have _ about how the scheme set up to support us have treated - about how the scheme set up to support us have treated us - about how the scheme set up to support us have treated us as l about how the scheme set up to i support us have treated us as well, it is not— support us have treated us as well, it is not only— support us have treated us as well, it is not only a _ support us have treated us as well, it is not only a cover—up, _ support us have treated us as well, it is not only a cover—up, it- support us have treated us as well, it is not only a cover—up, it is- support us have treated us as well, it is not only a cover—up, it is an i it is not only a cover—up, it is an abuse _ it is not only a cover—up, it is an abuse by— it is not only a cover—up, it is an abuse by many— it is not only a cover—up, it is an abuse by many people _ it is not only a cover—up, it is an abuse by many people who - it is not only a cover—up, it is anj abuse by many people who were it is not only a cover—up, it is an - abuse by many people who were set to supposedly— abuse by many people who were set to supposedly care — abuse by many people who were set to supposedly care for _ abuse by many people who were set to supposedly care for us. _ abuse by many people who were set to supposedly care for us.— supposedly care for us. throughout the re ort supposedly care for us. throughout
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the report sir— supposedly care for us. throughout the report sir brian _ supposedly care for us. throughout the report sir brian refers - supposedly care for us. throughout the report sir brian refers to - supposedly care for us. throughout the report sir brian refers to that l the report sir brian refers to that line, the best treatment possible was given to people and we now know once and for all that that was a lie, people have been saying that was alive for many years and now we have the definitive word on that. latte have the definitive word on that. we have the definitive word on that. we have been gas lit for generations. this report — have been gas lit for generations. this report today brings an end to that and _ this report today brings an end to that and it — this report today brings an end to that and it looks to the future, as well and — that and it looks to the future, as well and sets that this cannot continue. _ well and sets that this cannot continue, this ethos of denial and cover-up — continue, this ethos of denial and cover—up and that the duty of care for candour— cover—up and that the duty of care for candour has to be reviewed going forward _ for candour has to be reviewed going forward to— for candour has to be reviewed going forward to this can never happen again _ forward to this can never happen aaain. ., , ., forward to this can never happen aaain. .,, ., forward to this can never happen aaain. ., ,., again. people have lost decades of their life campaigning _ again. people have lost decades of their life campaigning and - again. people have lost decades of their life campaigning and that - again. people have lost decades of their life campaigning and that is l their life campaigning and that is added _ their life campaigning and that is added to— their life campaigning and that is added to the _ their life campaigning and that is added to the trauma. _ their life campaigning and that is added to the trauma. not - their life campaigning and that is added to the trauma. not only i their life campaigning and that is. added to the trauma. not only are you dealing — added to the trauma. not only are you dealing with— added to the trauma. not only are you dealing with infection, - added to the trauma. not only are you dealing with infection, dying, i you dealing with infection, dying, but years— you dealing with infection, dying, but years and _ you dealing with infection, dying, but years and years _ you dealing with infection, dying, but years and years that - you dealing with infection, dying, but years and years that have - you dealing with infection, dying, i but years and years that have been wasted _ but years and years that have been wasted on — but years and years that have been wasted on this— but years and years that have been wasted on this campaigning - but years and years that have been wasted on this campaigning that i wasted on this campaigning that never_ wasted on this campaigning that never should _ wasted on this campaigning that never should have _ wasted on this campaigning that never should have happened. it| never should have happened. it should — never should have happened. it should have _ never should have happened. it should have been _ never should have happened. it should have been dealt - never should have happened. it should have been dealt with - should have been dealt with straightaway _ should have been dealt with straightaway. this _ should have been dealt with straightaway.—
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should have been dealt with straightaway. should have been dealt with straiahtawa . �* , , , ., straightaway. as i sit here is one of 27,000 _ straightaway. as i sit here is one of 27,000 blood _ straightaway. as i sit here is one of 27,000 blood transfusion - straightaway. as i sit here is one - of 27,000 blood transfusion victims, thatis of 27,000 blood transfusion victims, that is what echoes in my head. behind every one of those 27,000 as a family. at eightjust at eight just wanted at eightjust wanted to ask you what you would say to the politicians in charge throughout the scandal and in charge throughout the scandal and in charge now. there is criticism of individuals in the report, what would you say to them? i individuals in the report, what would you say to them? i think many ofthe would you say to them? i think many of the politician _ would you say to them? i think many of the politician should _ would you say to them? i think many of the politician should hang - would you say to them? i think many of the politician should hang their. of the politician should hang their head in_ of the politician should hang their head in shame. forthe of the politician should hang their head in shame. for the first time we have seen— head in shame. for the first time we have seen people like jeremy hunt and others speak of recently and start _ and others speak of recently and start to — and others speak of recently and start to acknowledge their part in the scandal because no single person is responsible for this scandal, it has been —
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is responsible for this scandal, it has been the result of generations of denial, — has been the result of generations of denial, delay and cover—up and whilst _ of denial, delay and cover—up and whilst there may be an apology later today— whilst there may be an apology later today from _ whilst there may be an apology later today from the prime minister, it is notjust— today from the prime minister, it is notjust a _ today from the prime minister, it is notjust a prime minister who holds responsibility and accountability for this — responsibility and accountability for this. there are many others out there _ for this. there are many others out there i_ for this. there are many others out there. i would expect for many more people _ there. i would expect for many more people to _ there. i would expect for many more people to come forward and say sorry, _ people to come forward and say sorry, i'm — people to come forward and say sorry, i'm sorry for my and if they are generally genuinely sorry then they will— are generally genuinely sorry then they will implement the recommendations that sir brian has stated _ recommendations that sir brian has stated today. 35mg recommendations that sir brian has stated today-— recommendations that sir brian has stated today. any apologies that we have had in the _ stated today. any apologies that we have had in the past _ stated today. any apologies that we have had in the past have _ stated today. any apologies that we have had in the past have been - have had in the past have been meaningless _ have had in the past have been meaningless because - have had in the past have been meaningless because all- have had in the past have been meaningless because all they i have had in the past have been - meaningless because all they have said is— meaningless because all they have said is that — meaningless because all they have said is that it— meaningless because all they have said is that it never— meaningless because all they have said is that it never should - meaningless because all they have said is that it never should have i said is that it never should have happened _ said is that it never should have happened. we _ said is that it never should have happened. we know— said is that it never should have happened. we know that - said is that it never should have happened. we know that this i said is that it never should have - happened. we know that this never should _ happened. we know that this never should have — happened. we know that this never should have happened. _ happened. we know that this never should have happened. what - happened. we know that this never should have happened. what was l happened. we know that this never. should have happened. what was your part in_ should have happened. what was your part in it? _ should have happened. what was your part in it? what— should have happened. what was your part in it? what are _ should have happened. what was your part in it? what are you _ should have happened. what was your part in it? what are you sorry- should have happened. what was your part in it? what are you sorry for? - part in it? what are you sorry for? that _ part in it? what are you sorry for? that is— part in it? what are you sorry for? that is what — part in it? what are you sorry for? that is what the _ part in it? what are you sorry for? that is what the community - part in it? what are you sorry for? that is what the community needs part in it? what are you sorry for? i that is what the community needs to hear before _ that is what the community needs to hear before we — that is what the community needs to hear before we can _ that is what the community needs to hear before we can even _ that is what the community needs to hear before we can even begin- that is what the community needs to hear before we can even begin to - that is what the community needs toj hear before we can even begin to get closure _ hear before we can even begin to get closure on _ hear before we can even begin to get closure on this — hear before we can even begin to get closure on this. find _ hear before we can even begin to get closure on this.— closure on this. and not mess us around any _ closure on this. and not mess us around any longer. _ closure on this. and not mess us around any longer. the - closure on this. and not mess us around any longer. the apology. closure on this. and not mess us i around any longer. the apology on behalf of the _ around any longer. the apology on behalf of the state _ around any longer. the apology on behalf of the state will _ around any longer. the apology on behalf of the state will be - around any longer. the apology on | behalf of the state will be welcome and i think something else the community would like to see is a
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proper apology from all of the pharmaceutical companies that manufactured factor viii products as well, bayer, and others. it was made very clear that this inquiry could not recommend corporate manslaughter charges, could not go there, but do any of you think or do you know of any complaints that have been made officially to the police? i’m complaints that have been made officially to the police?— officially to the police? i'm not aware of any — officially to the police? i'm not aware of any at _ officially to the police? i'm not aware of any at the _ officially to the police? i'm not aware of any at the moment. l officially to the police? i'm not aware of any at the moment. i | officially to the police? i'm not - aware of any at the moment. i should say that as being —— as well as being the chair, i am a criminal barrister. there are doctors that should have been prosecuted for gross negligent manslaughter. testing patients for hiv without
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their consent. those people should have been in the dock for gross negligence manslaughter and sadly because of the delay that is one of the consequences that so many people will not see justice as a result. i would like to add to that extent to the politicians and the license makers — the politicians and the license makers that licensed factor viii when _ makers that licensed factor viii when there were clear warnings in place _ when there were clear warnings in place this — when there were clear warnings in place. this has gone on for so long now that _ place. this has gone on for so long now that the people around at the time will— now that the people around at the time will be very hard to track down even _ time will be very hard to track down even if— time will be very hard to track down even if they— time will be very hard to track down even if they are still alive. that is one — even if they are still alive. that is one of— even if they are still alive. that is one of the testimonies of the cover-up — is one of the testimonies of the cover—up and delays in getting justice — cover—up and delays in getting justice to _ cover—up and delays in getting justice to the scandal, is the time it has— justice to the scandal, is the time it has taken— justice to the scandal, is the time it has taken has meant thatjustice delayed _ it has taken has meant thatjustice delayed really is in this case justice — delayed really is in this case justice denied. | delayed really is in this case justice denied.— delayed really is in this case justice denied. delayed really is in this case 'ustice denied. ~ ., ., ., justice denied. i think a lot of the villains in this _ justice denied. i think a lot of the villains in this story _ justice denied. i think a lot of the villains in this story sadly - justice denied. i think a lot of the villains in this story sadly have i villains in this story sadly have now— villains in this story sadly have now died _ villains in this story sadly have now died on _ villains in this story sadly have now died. on a _ villains in this story sadly have now died. on a clinical- villains in this story sadly have now died. on a clinical level. villains in this story sadly have now died. on a clinical level i i now died. on a clinical level i would — now died. on a clinical level i would include _ now died. on a clinical level i would include professor- now died. on a clinical level i i would include professor arthur blumenthal— would include professor arthur blumenthal switzer, _ would include professor arthur blumenthal switzer, the - would include professor arthur- blumenthal switzer, the cheerleading haemophilia _ blumenthal switzer, the cheerleading haemophilia care _
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blumenthal switzer, the cheerleading haemophilia care takers _ blumenthal switzer, the cheerleading haemophilia care takers at _ blumenthal switzer, the cheerleading haemophilia care takers at the - blumenthal switzer, the cheerleading haemophilia care takers at the time l haemophilia care takers at the time who were _ haemophilia care takers at the time who were if— haemophilia care takers at the time who were if they— haemophilia care takers at the time who were if they were _ haemophilia care takers at the time who were if they were still - haemophilia care takers at the time who were if they were still alive - who were if they were still alive today _ who were if they were still alive today i— who were if they were still alive today i think _ who were if they were still alive today i think there _ who were if they were still alive today i think there could - who were if they were still alive today i think there could be - who were if they were still alive today i think there could be a l who were if they were still alive i today i think there could be a case for criminal— today i think there could be a case for criminal charges, _ today i think there could be a case for criminal charges, and - today i think there could be a case for criminal charges, and that - today i think there could be a case for criminal charges, and that is l today i think there could be a case for criminal charges, and that is al for criminal charges, and that is a testament — for criminal charges, and that is a testament to _ for criminal charges, and that is a testament to the _ for criminal charges, and that is a testament to the fact _ for criminal charges, and that is a testament to the fact that - for criminal charges, and that is a testament to the fact that the - testament to the fact that the government— testament to the fact that the government did _ testament to the fact that the government did not _ testament to the fact that the government did not launch i testament to the fact that the government did not launch a. testament to the fact that the - government did not launch a public inguiry— government did not launch a public inquiry earlier— government did not launch a public inquiry earlierat_ government did not launch a public inquiry earlier at the _ government did not launch a public inquiry earlier at the time - government did not launch a public inquiry earlier at the time it - inquiry earlier at the time it should _ inquiry earlier at the time it should have _ inquiry earlier at the time it should have happened, - inquiry earlier at the time it - should have happened, probably in the 1990s — should have happened, probably in the 1990s ln — should have happened, probably in the 1990s. ,., should have happened, probably in the 1990s. ., ., the 1990s. in the report today and sa s there the 1990s. in the report today and says there was _ the 1990s. in the report today and says there was enough _ the 1990s. in the report today and says there was enough public - says there was enough public interest in this scandal for the inquiry to have been launched around 1986, just think about the delay for a moment and think about how many people could have been brought to justice at that point, but haven't. i think we also need to be aware of the deliberate destruction of records. the records, notjust patient records, but records kept by the department of health and that has become clear in the report that they were deliberately destroyed. also the evidence that was coming forward _ also the evidence that was coming forward and being placed in front of
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government by campaigners that was dismissed _ government by campaigners that was dismissed. i think today is about the vindication of many of those campaigners, some have sadly died, and that— campaigners, some have sadly died, and that needs to be remembered, this has— and that needs to be remembered, this has been 40 years of cover—up and campaigning. this has been 40 years of cover-up and campaigning-— and campaigning. there is an unprecedented _ and campaigning. there is an unprecedented aspect - and campaigning. there is an unprecedented aspect of- and campaigning. there is an unprecedented aspect of this | and campaigning. there is an - unprecedented aspect of this inquiry because _ unprecedented aspect of this inquiry because sir— unprecedented aspect of this inquiry because sir brian _ unprecedented aspect of this inquiry because sir brian langstaff- unprecedented aspect of this inquiry because sir brian langstaff has - unprecedented aspect of this inquiry because sir brian langstaff has saidl because sir brian langstaff has said this is— because sir brian langstaff has said this is not— because sir brian langstaff has said this is not his — because sir brian langstaff has said this is not his final— because sir brian langstaff has said this is not his final word, _ because sir brian langstaff has said this is not his final word, he - because sir brian langstaff has said this is not his final word, he is - this is not his final word, he is not sending _ this is not his final word, he is not sending his _ this is not his final word, he is not sending his final— this is not his final word, he is not sending his final report. this is not his final word, he is not sending his final report to| this is not his final word, he is i not sending his final report to the government— not sending his final report to the government today. _ not sending his final report to the government today. the _ government today. the recommendations - government today. the recommendations that l government today. the . recommendations that he government today. the - recommendations that he has recommended _ recommendations that he has recommended her, _ recommendations that he has recommended her, he- recommendations that he has recommended her, he has. recommendations that he has. recommended her, he has said recommendations that he has - recommended her, he has said that the government— recommended her, he has said that the government will— recommended her, he has said that the government will have _ recommended her, he has said that the government will have to - recommended her, he has said that| the government will have to provide a report— the government will have to provide a report to — the government will have to provide a report to parliament _ the government will have to provide a report to parliament within - the government will have to provide a report to parliament within 12 - a report to parliament within 12 months — a report to parliament within 12 months about _ a report to parliament within 12 months about those _ a report to parliament within 12 - months about those recommendations, saying _ months about those recommendations, saying whether — months about those recommendations, saying whether or— months about those recommendations, saying whether or not _ months about those recommendations, saying whether or not they _ months about those recommendations, saying whether or not they will - saying whether or not they will implement— saying whether or not they will implement them— saying whether or not they will implement them or— saying whether or not they will implement them or explaining| saying whether or not they will - implement them or explaining why they are _ implement them or explaining why they are not — implement them or explaining why they are not he _ implement them or explaining why they are not. he will— implement them or explaining why they are not. he will expect - implement them or explaining why they are not. he will expect them. implement them or explaining why. they are not. he will expect them to account— they are not. he will expect them to account for— they are not. he will expect them to account for that, _ they are not. he will expect them to account for that, which _ they are not. he will expect them to account for that, which i _ they are not. he will expect them to account for that, which i think- they are not. he will expect them to account for that, which i think is- account for that, which i think is unprecedented _ account for that, which i think is unprecedented because - account for that, which i think is unprecedented because what i account for that, which i think isi unprecedented because what the account for that, which i think is- unprecedented because what the chair of the _ unprecedented because what the chair of the public— unprecedented because what the chair of the public inquiry _ unprecedented because what the chair of the public inquiry is _ unprecedented because what the chair of the public inquiry is sent— unprecedented because what the chair of the public inquiry is sent to - of the public inquiry is sent to government— of the public inquiry is sent to government is, _ of the public inquiry is sent to government is, i— of the public inquiry is sent to government is, i don't- of the public inquiry is sent to government is, i don't trust. of the public inquiry is sent to i government is, i don't trust you, and government is, idon't trust you, and that— government is, idon't trust you, and that is— government is, i don't trust you, and that is what _ government is, i don't trust you, and that is what the _ government is, i don't trust you, and that is what the community. government is, i don't trust you, i and that is what the community has been _ and that is what the community has been saying — and that is what the community has been saying for— and that is what the community has been saying for decades. _ and that is what the community has been saying for decades. they - and that is what the community has i been saying for decades. they should been saying for decades. they should be a presumption _ been saying for decades. they should be a presumption that _ be a presumption that recommendations- be a presumption thati recommendations from be a presumption that - recommendations from inquiry be a presumption that _ recommendations from inquiry should be implemented — recommendations from inquiry should be implemented unless _ recommendations from inquiry should be implemented unless government. recommendations from inquiry should . be implemented unless government can provide _
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be implemented unless government can provide good _ be implemented unless government can provide good reasons— be implemented unless government can provide good reasons why _ be implemented unless government can provide good reasons why not. - be implemented unless government can provide good reasons why not. why - be implemented unless government can provide good reasons why not. why is l provide good reasons why not. why is it that _ provide good reasons why not. why is it that we _ provide good reasons why not. why is it that we continue _ provide good reasons why not. why is it that we continue to _ provide good reasons why not. why is it that we continue to have _ provide good reasons why not. why is it that we continue to have this - it that we continue to have this burning — it that we continue to have this burning injustices? _ it that we continue to have this burning injustices? why- it that we continue to have this burning injustices? why do- it that we continue to have this burning injustices? why do we| burning injustices? why do we continue — burning injustices? why do we continue to— burning injustices? why do we continue to have _ burning injustices? why do we continue to have the - burning injustices? why do wei continue to have the scandals? because — continue to have the scandals? because we _ continue to have the scandals? because we ignore _ continue to have the scandals? because we ignore the - because we ignore the recommendations- because we ignore the recommendations of. because we ignore the - recommendations of public because we ignore the _ recommendations of public inquiries and that— recommendations of public inquiries and that must— recommendations of public inquiries and that must stop _ recommendations of public inquiries and that must stop today. _ it is my understanding that there are some court cases that have been posed by the inquiry while it makes its final report. do you think the final report is enough of a sense of justice or will you resume legal action against the state? in justice or will you resume legal action against the state? in regard to the grow _ action against the state? in regard to the group litigation, _ action against the state? in regard to the group litigation, in - action against the state? in regard to the group litigation, in my - action against the state? in regard| to the group litigation, in my name against the department of health, that will very much depend on what
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the government does now, particularly, it is a civil case, depending on how they come forth tomorrow with their proposals on compensation and what that looks like. that will go a long way in helping to decide what we do with that case next and if we lift the stay. there are other litigation such as the treloar litigation and others going on as well but i wouldn't be able to comment on those. what is the general feeling at the reading of this report, is it relief, renewed anger, vindication? for me there has been a whirlwind of emotions today. i'm sure everybody
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on this table would agree with that. when you have been building up to a single day for a0 years, there is no right or wrong emotion about it, but for campaigners who have been doing this for so long, saying the things that are in this report for so long, i think relief, absolute relief will be an overriding emotion and that is certainly the case for me. i be an overriding emotion and that is certainly the case for me.— certainly the case for me. i think many feel— certainly the case for me. i think many feel that _ certainly the case for me. i think many feel that this _ certainly the case for me. i think many feel that this is _ certainly the case for me. i think many feel that this is the - certainly the case for me. i think. many feel that this is the beginning of the _ many feel that this is the beginning of the end — many feel that this is the beginning of the end because having had an excellent — of the end because having had an excellent public inquiry, and we should — excellent public inquiry, and we should commend the chair and disdain for the _ should commend the chair and disdain for the inquiry, the should commend the chair and disdain forthe inquiry, the ball should commend the chair and disdain for the inquiry, the ball is now in the courts— for the inquiry, the ball is now in the courts of the government and it will depend on the government response. untilwe have will depend on the government response. until we have a full government response in terms of compensation and the other recommendations, it is only then when _ recommendations, it is only then when we — recommendations, it is only then when we will be able to judge of this inquiry has been successful or not.
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this inquiry has been successful or not i_ this inquiry has been successful or not. ., ., this inquiry has been successful or not. . ., , ., . , not. i have a question which is, we have seen — not. i have a question which is, we have seen some — not. i have a question which is, we have seen some similarities - not. i have a question which is, we have seen some similarities with l have seen some similarities with this recent post office scandal as well, where it seems that the politicians didn't take it seriously enough or potentially worse, corporate wrongdoing was brushed under the carpet, it has taken a really long time for people to notice that and to get close to an end to that situation. thinking about that in this situation, do we have a wider problem with our society or our politics in terms of listening to people who have been wronged and getting things sorted quickly and trusting them, essentially?— quickly and trusting them, essentially? quickly and trusting them, essentiall ? ., ., , ., ., essentially? that goes back to what i said essentially? that goes back to what i said earlier — essentially? that goes back to what i said earlier about _ essentially? that goes back to what i said earlier about truth. _ essentially? that goes back to what i said earlier about truth. this - essentially? that goes back to what i said earlier about truth. this is - i said earlier about truth. this is the day of the truth and it is up to society and to use the media to ensure that patrick gets told, otherwise we will be back in the situation and millions amounts of —— points of money put into this inquiry would have been wasted. it
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inquiry would have been wasted. if we look back at this, it was cost that was— we look back at this, it was cost that was a — we look back at this, it was cost that was a huge factor in why they brought— that was a huge factor in why they brought in— that was a huge factor in why they brought in the american products and why they— brought in the american products and why they didn't screen the blood for transfusion, and now cost is a factor— transfusion, and now cost is a factor vet _ transfusion, and now cost is a factor yet again. because it is going — factor yet again. because it is going to — factor yet again. because it is going to cost much, much more and has cost _ going to cost much, much more and has cost much, much more and that is 'ust has cost much, much more and that is just in— has cost much, much more and that is just in monetary terms and i'm not thinking _ just in monetary terms and i'm not thinking then of even the loss of life, thinking then of even the loss of life. which— thinking then of even the loss of life, which is the most unbearable cost~ _ life, which is the most unbearable cost. ., ., , ., , , cost. not only the low stuff -- loss of life but does _ cost. not only the low stuff -- loss of life but does in _ cost. not only the low stuff -- loss of life but does in fact _ cost. not only the low stuff -- loss of life but does in fact need - of life but does in fact need ongoing _ of life but does in fact need ongoing health _ of life but does in fact need ongoing health and - of life but does in fact need ongoing health and care - of life but does in fact need i ongoing health and care needs of life but does in fact need - ongoing health and care needs and that needs — ongoing health and care needs and that needs to — ongoing health and care needs and that needs to be _ ongoing health and care needs and that needs to be included - ongoing health and care needs and that needs to be included in- ongoing health and care needs and that needs to be included in the i that needs to be included in the compensation _ that needs to be included in the compensation package. - that needs to be included in the compensation package.- that needs to be included in the compensation package. today sees the victo of compensation package. today sees the victory of truth —
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compensation package. today sees the victory of truth over _ compensation package. today sees the victory of truth over power. _ compensation package. today sees the victory of truth over power. you - victory of truth over power. you talk about the post office scandal and the scandal. health care and the law are the twin pillars of our civil society and they have been rocked to their foundations by the scandals. at this inquiry happened decades ago, might the post office scandal or large parts of it have been avoided? possibly. that is the real tragedy of this that we continue not to learn from failures. we have mentioned to scandals, but there are many others that coalesce around the hillsborough campaign that andy burnham started, such as the new touch —— a nuclear test veterans, the grenfell tower fire, there are so many of these campaigns and they all need to be looked at. the civil service has closed ranks around _ the civil service has closed ranks
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around aliv— the civil service has closed ranks around ally for a long time in this inquiry— around ally for a long time in this inquiry and — around ally for a long time in this inquiry and a similar thing has happened in the post office and many of the _ happened in the post office and many of the other inquiries that jason hasjust— of the other inquiries that jason hasjust mentioned. ministers sadly were not— hasjust mentioned. ministers sadly were not given the truth and i thank that decision was made a long time a-o that decision was made a long time ago and _ that decision was made a long time ago and money is at the source of it. ago and money is at the source of it it _ ago and money is at the source of it it seems — ago and money is at the source of it. it seems to always be at the source — it. it seems to always be at the source of— it. it seems to always be at the source of it. we know there were conversations in higher levels of government saying that if you compensate the haemophiliacs then that sets _ compensate the haemophiliacs then that sets a precedent, so let's not do it _ that sets a precedent, so let's not do it when — that sets a precedent, so let's not do it. when you continue that government line and closing your ranks _ government line and closing your ranks around denial, this is the result— ranks around denial, this is the result of— ranks around denial, this is the result of it _ ranks around denial, this is the result of it and the post office is a result— result of it and the post office is a result of— result of it and the post office is a result of it and we need systemic change _ a result of it and we need systemic change and — a result of it and we need systemic change and the duty of candour at all levels — change and the duty of candour at all levels of government, including the civil— all levels of government, including the civil service to make ministers absoiuteiv — the civil service to make ministers absolutely aware of what the options are and _ absolutely aware of what the options are and then maybe we would have a chance _ are and then maybe we would have a chance of— are and then maybe we would have a chance of not having this repeated.
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some _ chance of not having this repeated. some of— chance of not having this repeated. some of the strongest words in the report today were for lord clark, her strip —— whose o'brien described his combative and find this evidence argumentative, saying that would have caused upset. i argumentative, saying that would have caused upset.— have caused upset. i spent three da s have caused upset. i spent three days watching — have caused upset. i spent three days watching northward - have caused upset. i spent three days watching northward give - days watching northward give evidence and he was patronising in the extreme. he had clearly never met anybody with haemophilia and considering this is the worse treatment disaster in the history of the nhs for the health secretary not to sit down with that community and meet them and learn about what is happening to them is appalling. sadly he continues and that this position. i think he owes the community an apology, notjust for his time as health secretary but for the manner and lack of humanity and compassion he showed when he gave evidence to this inquiry. bond evidence to this inquiry. and disdain for _ evidence to this inquiry. and disdain for the _ evidence to this inquiry. and disdain for the inquiry itself in
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this process.— disdain for the inquiry itself in this process. disdain for the inquiry itself in this rocess. ., , ., this process. one of the things that stands out in _ this process. one of the things that stands out in my _ this process. one of the things that stands out in my mind _ this process. one of the things that stands out in my mind from - this process. one of the things that stands out in my mind from lord i stands out in my mind from lord clark's _ stands out in my mind from lord clark's evidence _ stands out in my mind from lord clark's evidence is _ stands out in my mind from lord clark's evidence is that - stands out in my mind from lord clark's evidence is that he - stands out in my mind from lord clark's evidence is that he askedj stands out in my mind from lord . clark's evidence is that he asked is factor— clark's evidence is that he asked is factor viii — clark's evidence is that he asked is factor viii a — clark's evidence is that he asked is factor viii a pill? _ clark's evidence is that he asked is factorviii a pill? he— clark's evidence is that he asked is factorviii a pill? he didn't- clark's evidence is that he asked is factor viii a pill? he didn't even i factor viii a pill? he didn't even know— factor viii a pill? he didn't even know what— factor viii a pill? he didn't even know what it _ factor viii a pill? he didn't even know what it was. _ factor viii a pill? he didn't even know what it was. i— factor viii a pill? he didn't even know what it was. i actually- factor viii a pill? he didn't even| know what it was. i actually used that as _ know what it was. i actually used that as a — know what it was. i actually used that as a way— know what it was. i actually used that as a way to _ know what it was. i actually used that as a way to ask _ know what it was. i actually used that as a way to ask the - know what it was. i actually used that as a way to ask the media i know what it was. i actually used| that as a way to ask the media to please _ that as a way to ask the media to please assist _ that as a way to ask the media to please assist with _ that as a way to ask the media to please assist with the _ that as a way to ask the media to please assist with the public- please assist with the public understanding _ please assist with the public understanding about- please assist with the public understanding about that i please assist with the public- understanding about that product and why it _ understanding about that product and why it is _ understanding about that product and why it is so _ understanding about that product and why it is so dangerous, _ understanding about that product and why it is so dangerous, because - understanding about that product and why it is so dangerous, because it- why it is so dangerous, because it is fundamental— why it is so dangerous, because it is fundamental to— why it is so dangerous, because it is fundamental to the _ why it is so dangerous, because it is fundamental to the report - why it is so dangerous, because it. is fundamental to the report today. thank you so much for your questions. studio: there you have it, the reaction from one of the campaign
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groups who have, for a long time, been advocating for this inquiry to happen in the first place and, of course, for some of those findings to be the way that they saw it all along, they say. just recapping some of what we heard there, family members and campaigners even saying that doctors who were involved in this should have been prosecuted for manslaughter. they are saying that they want to make sure that after today, the cover—up, as they describe it, doesn't get covered up again. they were pleased that sir brian langstaff�*s findings found that this factor viii treatment should never have been licensed for use. they go on to say, which is something they've been saying for a long time, that they felt they had been gas lit for generations and in some way the findings of today vindicate their view that they have held for many, many years, many decades, in fact. and i
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