Minister Mel Stride has described the infected blood report as “devastating” but has refused to call for Tory peer Lord Kenneth Clarke’s knighthood to be revoked. The report revealed that 30,000 people were infected and 3,000 died as a result of contaminated blood, with some being children who grew up without parents.
Lord Clarke, who served as a health minister in Margaret Thatcher’s government, was accused of being “somewhat blasé” during the inquiry. When asked about calls for his knighthood to be removed, Minister Stride stated that it is a matter for the forfeiture committee to decide, not the government.
While acknowledging the serious questions raised in the report, Minister Stride expressed the need for more time to digest its contents. He emphasized the importance of full and comprehensive compensation for those affected and stated that the government will closely examine the recommendations made in the report.
When questioned about potential criminality, Minister Stride expressed confidence that the police and other authorities will investigate the matter thoroughly. The report has shaken the nation to its core, and the government is committed to addressing the issues raised and ensuring justice for those affected.