Politics latest: Thatcher's health secretary 'disparaging' and 'dismissive' towards infected blood victims (2024)

Rishi Sunak is expected to deliver the government's response to the report shortly.

We are expecting the prime minister to apologise on behalf of the British state, and the government will outline steps for compensation tomorrow.

The report's author, Sir Brian Langstaff, has already laid out what he expects from the government:

• A meaningful apology that explains what the apology is for;
• Recognition not just of suffering, but the fact it was the result of errors, delays, and wrongdoing;
• Vindication for those who have waited for so long;
• Action on his recommendations.

Follow updates in our dedicated live blog below - and we'll be back with more reaction in the Politics Hub afterwards:

Labour's David Lammy responded to deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell's statement to MPs on the Israel-Hamas war.

The shadow foreign secretary said Labour will continue to repeat its call for an "immediate ceasefire" in the conflict, calling for diplomatic pressure to "go into overdrive".

He said Labour would "assess UK exports" to Israel, and if the Rafah offensive goes ahead, would "join our American allies in suspending weapons or components that could be used in that offensive".

He asked the deputy foreign secretary to clarify whether the UK assesses Israel to be in breach of international law.

Turning to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr Lammy noted that the Sunak government has reaffirmed its jurisdiction in recent months.

But in his statement just before, Mr Mitchell said the ICC does not have jurisdiction in the case of the Israel-Hamas war, and Mr Lammy accused the government of having "backtracked" and "U-turning... on respect for the rule of law".

"Labour supports the ICC as a cornerstone of the international legal system," he said, and asks if the Conservative Party believes in the international rule of law.

The deputy foreign secretary replied that "yes", the government respects the international rule of law, and says there is not much difference between the government and opposition's positions.

But he reiterated: "We do not think the ICC has jurisdiction in this case."

You can read more on this story below:

The deputy foreign secretary has just made a statement to MPs on the situation in Israel and Gaza.

Here is what he said, as he said it (this post was updated live):

• Andrew Mitchell opens by saying that months since the 7 October attacks, there is "no end to the current conflict in sight";
• The fastest way to end the conflict, he says, is to secure a deal for the release of hostages and pause in fighting, which could then be turned into a permanent halt to the hostilities;
• He acknowledges that a deal with Hamas for the release of hostages would involve exchanging "hundreds of Palestinian prisoners charged with serious acts of terrorism", which he acknowledged must be "difficult" for the Israeli government, but argues that it is the only conceivable way forward;
• The deputy foreign secretary says the UK is working to secure such a deal alongside the US, and added: "We do not believe that the ICC prosecutor seeking warrants will help in this regard";
  
• He added that the UK "does not believe the ICC has jurisdiction in this case";
• Mr Mitchell went on to criticise the humanitarian situation in Gaza and "appalling attacks on aid convoys and UN officers by Israeli extremists";
• He demanded that Israel increase aid to Gaza through "all crossing points, including in Rafah";
• The minister also backed the call by Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz for Benjamin Netanyahu's government to set out a post-war plan for Gaza;
• The UK estimates that 800,000 civilians have been forced to flee their place of shelter in the Rafah area, which is why the UK does not support an offensive in the region on Gaza.

Andrew Mitchell is on his feet in the House of Commons making a statement to MPs on Israel and Gaza.

It comes just hours after a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court announced he hasapplied for arrest warrantsto be issued for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar over alleged war crimes.

Earlier, defence minister Leo Docherty told MPs that application for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders "hasno bearing" on the UK's support for Israel.

Follow live updates on the statement here in the Politics Hub.

Emma Hardy, a shadow environment minister, responded on behalf of Labour in the urgent question about the contaminated water issue in Devon that affected tens of thousands of people.

She told the Commons this illustrates the "depths of failure" of the government.

"I cannot believe that I am about to say this, but after 14 long years of Conservative rule, in 21st century Britain, our water is no longer safe to drink."

She said ministers will be "flailing around" to blame someone else, but said: "This crisis is theirs. It is this government that must some leadership and take responsibility for it."

Ms Hardy blamed ministers for not properly regulating the water industry and failing to update the Victorian-era system.

She raised raw sewage being pumped into waterways, and said Labour has raised issues about waterborne diseases being on the rise.

She demanded the government put water companies "into special measures" and hold bosses accountable.

Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall, who tabled the urgent question about the water contamination that hit South West Water customers last week, has responded to the environment secretary's statement (see previous post).

The Tory MP praised Steve Barclay and ministers in his department for doing an "extraordinary job", but said the anger among residents in Brixham is "palpable".

"The frustration is apparent, and the sheer inconvenience that has been put on them by South West Water is absolutely abhorrent," he said.

He accused the company of having "failed" to deliver information leaflets to residents to keep them updated on the situation.

Mr Mangnall went on to say that people were highlighting health issues for 24 hours before any action was taken, which, the MP says, is why residents are unwell.

He hit out at the fact some residents are still reliant on bottled water, saying: "This is a totally unacceptable position for us to be in in the 21st century, and South West Water carries the responsibility [for] it, including their management."

'Thorough investigation' to be carried out

Nonetheless, he praised the teams on the ground for doing an "extraordinary job".

The MP asked the environment secretary if results from water testing over the coming months can be made public to maintain confidence, asked if there will be an investigation into the water company's handling of this, why people are still having to pay water bills, and how the reputation of the local area will be repaired.

Steve Barclay said the MP is "quite right" to express local concerns.

He confirmed a "thorough investigation" will be conducted, and said South West Water has taken on board concerns about communications.

Tory MP Anthony Mangnall tabled an urgent question about the water contamination that hit customers of South West Water last week.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay responded on behalf of the government.

Here is what he said, as he said it (this post was updated):

• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) notified South West Water on 13 May of cryptosporidium cases in the Brixham area, after which the company "undertook monitoring";
• The results were confirmed on Wednesday morning, showing the bacteria in the Hillhead distribution area;
• The environment secretary acknowledged that this has "caused significant concern and disruption";
• "At least 46 cases of cryptosporidium" have been identified by UKHSA, but said that may "continue to rise" - and two people have been hospitalised;
• The level of compensation has been raised after it was deemed "inadequate", and now stands at £215 for those still affected;
• Mr Barclay says 85% of people who get their water from the Alston reservoir have had the boil notice lifted, and all tests in that area are clear, but "daily testing will continue for the foreseeable future";
• The Hillhead reservoir has been drained, cleaned, and refilled, and flushing of the system began this morning;
• The environment secretary said the Drinking Water Inspectorate is conduction an investigation, and concluded: "I know that South West Water will want to comply fully and in a timely fashion."

MPs returned to Westminster this morning, with the Commons sitting from 2.30pm.

There is a busy afternoon of statements, so here is what is coming up, and the approximate timings.

Around 3.30pm - Urgent Question on contaminated water

Tory MPAnthony Mangnall has tabled an urgent question about the water contamination that hit customers of South West Water last week.

A boil notice was issued on Wednesday to tens of thousands of households due to the presence ofcryptosporidium in the water system.

It has since been lifted, but the MP for Totnes in Devon wants answers from the Department forEnvironment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Around 4.15pm - Statement on Israel and Gaza

Andrew Mitchell, the deputy foreign secretary, will make a statement to MPs on Israel and Gaza.

We do not know exactly what the statement will be about, but it comes just hours after a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court announced he has applied for arrest warrants to be issued for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar over alleged war crimes.

Around 5.15pm - Sunak statement on the Infected Blood Inquiry

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will give a statement in the House of Commons following publication of the landmark report into the infected blood scandal.

The public inquiry found that the scandal was "not an accident" - and its failures lie with "successive governments, the NHS, and blood services".

We are expecting the PM to apologise on behalf of the British state, and the government will outline steps for compensation tomorrow.

Follow live updates on all of the statements here in the Politics Hub.

Sir Brian Langstaff, the chair of the infected blood inquiry, is speaking at Central Hall, Westminster following publication of his landmark report.

The chairman told the audience: "I fully expect the government to make an apology.

"To be meaningful, though, that apology must explain what the apology is for, it should recognise and acknowledge not just the suffering, but the fact that the suffering was the result of errors, wrongs done, and delays incurred.

"It should provide vindication to those who have waited for that for so long.

“And it should be accompanied by action."

'The public should be trusted with the truth'

The recommendations must be implemented, including setting up a proper compensation scheme, he says.

"The public should be trusted with the truth, with all its uncertainties."

The prime minister is due to make a statement in the House of Commons at around 5.15pm where he is expected to apologise - follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

The government will outline steps for compensation tomorrow.

In January 2023, Rishi Sunak made five promises.

Since then, he and his ministers have rarely missed an opportunity to list them. In case you haven't heard, he promised to:

• Halve inflation
• Grow the economy
• Reduce debt
• Cut NHS waiting lists and times
• Stop the boats

See below how he is doing on these goals: