Michael Connarty
Labour Member of UK Parliament - Linlithgow and East Falkirk Constituency
Justice for Haemophilia
The use of blood clotting products in the UK using contaminated blood supplies bought from drug addicts and prisoners in America was a major scandal of the 1970’s. Many people with haemophilia contracted HIV while others got Hepatitis B and even CJD. Until Michael Connarty MP responded by taking on the Chairmanship of the Parliamentary Group on Haemophilia, those with Hepatitis B went unrecognised, while HIV sufferers had been given financial support, despite Hepatitis B often leading to liver failure and liver cancer.
Michael explains how he campaigned with former MP (now Lord) Alf Morris to highlight the plight of those who contracted Hepatitis B from contaminated blood but successive UK governments would not agree to a Public Inquiry.
The group would organise to deliver a carpet of lilies to No. 10 Downing Street along with the relatives of those who had died (see photo 1). Through meetings with Ministers and constant Parliamentary Questions and debates, the past Labour government agreed to make available the £50m per year to provide artificial (non blood based) clotting products. The Scottish Labour government of 2006 did the same. Michael continued until the Labour government also set up the Skipton Fund to provide £20,000 for anyone who had contracted Hepatitis B. This was also offered to those who had contracted Hepatitis B through any medical procedures. Anyone who had suffered liver damage had their payment doubled.
Michael was given a special award by the Haemophilia Association (see photo 2) for his campaigning work in 2009 – Michael said, “The Haemophilia Community still deserve a full Public Inquiry and proper compensation, but I felt we had made real progress in winning recognition”.
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