UK Government Faces Backlash Over Infected Blood Compensation

Infected blood campaigners have condemned a £15,000 compensation offer from the UK government as 'derisory and insulting' for victims of unethical experiments at Lord Mayor's Treloar College, where students with haemophilia were infected with HIV and hepatitis B. The compensation package, part of an update to previous plans, allows victims to potentially receive up to £2.8 million, but many feel the amounts do not reflect the gravity of their suffering. Richard Warwick, a former pupil, expressed disbelief over the £15,000 figure, suggesting it undermines their experiences and considering legal action for a more just compensation. The inquiry into the scandal revealed a cover-up by health officials, who destroyed documents to conceal the truth about contaminated blood products. Survivors of the trials, which resulted in significant mortality, have likened their treatment to that of 'human guinea pigs'. The government has promised lifelong support payments in addition to the compensation, yet many victims remain dissatisfied with the offers made.