Contaminated Blood Products

1.39.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Feb 2010

Peter Coley " The way in which Labour and Conservative Governments have ignored this issue and distorted the facts is nothing short of scandalous."

Leicester West Parliamentary Candidate Peter Coley talks about the bill on compensation for people infected with blood-borne diseases following blood transfusions.

Peter Coley said, "The Liberal Democrats are committed to ensuring that this matter is dealt with effectively and compassionately and in a way which ensures that the victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve without delay. The way in which Labour and Conservative Governments have ignored this issue and distorted the facts is nothing short of scandalous."

"The Government's failure to engage meaningfully with Lord Archer's inquiry has compounded the suffering of thousands of haemophiliacs and their families. The Liberal Democrats believe that after the election it is imperative that the next Government works closely with the Hemophilia Society and victims to reach a viable solution which recognises the tragic consequences of the Government's actions."

"To this end we have already proposed that there should be a working group which should be given the task of establishing, within a specified timetable, what should be done as a matter of priority to meet the urgent needs of the victims of this scandal and set out a long-term system of support for them and their families."

Peter Coley went on to say that the Lib Dems will continue to campaign for the recognition of this tragedy and believe that it is vital that this matter is addressed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that Lord Morris' Bill will enable this matter to be bought to a satisfactory close in the near future simply because there is not enough time before the election. This makes it all the more important that all political parties commit to resolving this scandal as soon as possible after the election to see that justice is finally done.

Get in touch with Peter Coley either by email coley4parliament@btinternet.com or call him on 0116 285 7408 or visit his website at http://www.petercoley.org.uk/