On behalf of clients, we would like to thank Sir Brian Langstaff and his team, especially the forensic Jenni Richards KC, for their efforts this week to shine a light on the inadequacies of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (IBCS) and the Government’s approach to compensation for the infected blood community.

Senior IBCS and Cabinet Office representatives can now be in no doubt as to the deficiencies of the scheme from the community’s perspective.  We heard there are fundamental problems both with the design of the scheme as well as aggravating issues with its delivery.

Sadly, the Paymaster General was probably right to say we can’t at this point start again – it would indeed cause yet further interminable delay. But improvements can still be made and are essential if we are to honour our obligation to the Infected Blood community as outlined in the Public Inquiry Final report.

Regulations can be tweaked. Tariffs can be increased. More staff can be hired. These are all possibilities if the Government wants to demonstrate it has heard the community and is committed to justice for them.