'There has to be accountability'

Andy Burnham told #BBCBreakfast he was not told the truth when he was Health Secretary and there should be criminal prosecutions after the Infected Blood inquiry report is published this month

bbc.co.uk/news/topics/c6…

Thread: Whisper it… but I think the governement is finally going to do the right thing. Senior governement sources have confirmed that ministers are preparing to announce a compensation package for the victims of the contaminated blood scandal that will be “northwards” of £10bn.

Never tire of Count Binface calmly walking into an election result count. Bit of bemusement from my French in-laws who are visiting.

I can’t tell you how happy this has made me.

This is a cracking read. Can 💯 recommend ahead of the inquiry’s report on 20 May.

The government appears to have backed down over compensation for infected blood victims in Lords. It now says will support Labour-led amendment which would set up compensation body within three months of new victims' bill getting royal ascent. Still debating the detail though.

Big day in the fight for infected blood compensation tomorrow at 8pm.

The psychiatrist and MP Dan Poulter has just announced his defection from tories to Labour. Says won’t run in next election. Tells Laura Kuenssberg tomorrow that “could no longer look his NHS colleagues in the eye and stay on as a Conservative.” bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…

In non BBC health news… really enjoying watching the bunch of six fox cubs who have moved in next door in South London. Mum and dad look like they’ve had enough. Know the feeling.

Regional bbc teams are spending a day looking g at the impact of the infected blood scandal on their local viewers and listeners. This online gallery is nicely done and definitely worth a read. canvas-story.bbcrewind.co.uk/contaminated-b…

Clips, titles and some of the best idents in broadcasting - a little mash-up I've done for tonight's Newsnight to celebrate BBC2's diamond anniversary. It's been a treat seeing my work on this channel, my broadcasting home for many years. Very sad I'll soon be leaving it.

Important story this from Hugh Pym and Chloe Hayward

Thank you Hugh - for everyone who wants to know more about the infected blood scandal, my book is The Poison Line amazon.co.uk/Poison-Line-St…

It’s not that often come across a proper WTAF story but this is definitely one of those. From ⁦Billy Kenber⁩ in the Times this morning.
thetimes.co.uk/article/28f948…

Dame Diana Johnson says she’s concerned about Govt amendment on infected blood compensation scheme having no timetable - her amendment required it to be set up within 3 months. Clive Smith of Haemophilia Society says Govt plans water down what inquiry chair wanted

In addition to the letter, the Govt amendments to the Victims & Prisoners Bill have also been published:

bills.parliament.uk/publications/5…

My initial reaction is that they substantially water down the Interim Report from Sir Brian Langstaff, because:

1/3

Infected blood scandal: Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules bbc.in/3VXih4w

We erm got vaccines Elon. Turns out they work against them.

Am going along to this on Sunday. So if any student journalists fancy coming along for lunch and questions about health reporting then would make me very happy.

Just finished watching new Guy Ritchie 🌞 series on Netflix which was excellent and really enjoyed. But seem to have picked up some weird south London gangster speak with horrific swear words every sentence. Not ideal when in-laws are staying and need to take stuff to the dump.