Factor 8’s Campaign for a Public Inquiry into the Infected Blood Scandal

On 11th July 2017, a pivotal moment in the fight for justice was reached when the UK government announced the Infected Blood Inquiry. This Inquiry, which sought to uncover the truth behind the infected blood scandal, resulted from tireless campaigning. For decades prior to our campaign, those impacted had sought a UK-wide investigation, but all attempts had failed due to the pervasive cover-up and refusal outlined in the Infected Blood Inquiry's report.

From the very beginning, Factor 8 made it clear that our goal was to bring the truth to light and secure compensation. Through relentless investigation, advocacy, and legal efforts, Factor 8 played a crucial role in pressuring the government into launching the Inquiry, which marked a major turning point in the campaign for justice.

Uncovering Evidence and Building the Case

The groundwork for Factor 8's impact was laid in 2015 when Jason Evans, Founder and Director of Factor 8, began his investigation into the infected blood scandal. By 2016, Factor 8 had already started collaborating with BBC Panorama on an episode that would air on 10th May 2017 ("Contaminated Blood: The Search for the Truth"). This documentary brought widespread attention to the scandal and bolstered the campaign's growing momentum.

In the months leading up to the Inquiry, Factor 8's work intensified. The BBC Panorama episode made public Jason Evans' fresh legal action related to his father's death, in which he was being represented by Collins Solicitors.

In April 2017, Andy Burnham used his final speech in Parliament to raise the infected blood scandal. Factor 8 first met with Burnham on 7th December 2016 to discuss the scandal and provided Andy with various documents. We met with Burnham again on 1st February 2017 in Parliament.

Following Burnham's April speech to Parliament, in May and June 2017, Factor 8 uncovered evidence showing that, even after the Department of Health knew Factor VIII blood products were contaminated with the AIDS virus, they concealed this information from patients for almost a year. This discovery was highlighted by ITV and The Express, drawing further attention to the government's failure to act swiftly.

Legal Action and Growing Pressure

Factor 8's determination to hold the government accountable culminated in an expansion of Jason's legal claim, which became a group action. On 4th July 2017, Collins Solicitors lodged a Group Litigation Order (GLO) under the title "Jason Evans & Ors" with the High Court, representing over 400 people impacted by infected blood products. This action sent shockwaves through the media and the political sphere, and more evidence unearthed by Jason Evans appeared on the front page of the Daily Mail that same day.

On 6th July 2017, as part of growing pressure, the government was officially notified of the GLO. Media coverage continued to mount, with Sky News and The Times covering the story. The Daily Mail published an article focusing on the increasing calls for a public inquiry, supported by the evidence that Factor 8 had presented.

On 9th July 2017, Jason Evans appeared on Sky News and LBC Radio, calling for a full public inquiry into the scandal.

A Call for Inquiry and the Breakthrough

On 9th July 2017, Jason Evans also contributed to a Sunday Times article that focused on a cross-party letter calling for a public inquiry, highlighting evidence unearthed by Factor 8. The growing momentum became impossible for the government to ignore.

On 11th July 2017, the government announced a Public Inquiry would be held in the contaminated blood scandal.

Health Minister Philip Dunne announced the Inquiry in the House of Commons. During his statement, he acknowledged the role of new evidence and allegations brought to light, making the Inquiry possible. Dunne stated that "reports of new evidence and of allegations of potential criminality" meant the government needed to understand the extent of what had occurred. Factor 8's work was instrumental in generating this urgency.

Dame Diana Johnson, speaking in Parliament that same day, also gave recognition to Factor 8's contributions, particularly noting how Jason Evans had been "instrumental in generating recent news coverage in the Daily Mail article and elsewhere".

A Collective Victory

The announcement of the Inquiry was a monumental victory, but it was just the beginning. Factor 8 continued to play a leading role, ensuring the Inquiry moved forward, analysing witness statements, and submitting thousands of questions and documents. Factor 8's success was not the work of one individual but the collective efforts of everyone involved—Factor 8's members, its supporters, and the legal teams that worked tirelessly to push for justice.

Factor 8's influence demonstrates the power of unity and persistence. Together, we achieved what many thought was impossible, ensuring that the voices of the thousands of victims and their families could finally be heard. Our role in bringing about the Infected Blood Inquiry shows that through determination, advocacy, and relentless pursuit of the truth, real change is possible.