On Wednesday 13th July, Jo Churchill MP delivered among the last questions to outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron, in his final session of Prime Minister’s Questions.
Amongst one of few Conservative MPs to question the Prime Minister, Jo Churchill MP asked:
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the leadership he has shown, particularly in his support of women within the Conservative Party.
The Prime Minister's legacy for me however and for fellow cancer survivors is the personal support that he has shown for the Cancer Drugs Fund. However today, I would ask him to show that same support for those affected by the contaminated bloods.
Would he please update the House as to whether they too will have a legacy?”
In response, The Prime Minister said:
“I thank my Honorable Friend for what she says about the Cancer Drugs Fund, which has helped many people and families in our country.
She is absolutely right to raise the issue of contaminated blood, and I can today announce that we will spend the extra £125 million that we have identified. A much fairer and more comprehensive scheme will guarantee that all those infected will, for the first time, receive a regular annual payment. That will include all those with Hepatitis Stage 1, who will now receive £3,500 per year, rising to £4,500 per year by the end of the Parliament. For those with Hepatitis C at Stage 2 or HIV, or who are co-infected with both, annual payments will increase over the lifetime of the Parliament, and we will enhance the support for those who have been bereaved and those who will be in future, significantly boosting the money for the discretionary payments.”
The Prime Minister went on to say:
“Last year I apologised to the victims on behalf of the British Government for something that should never have happened. Today I am proud to provide them with the support that they deserve.
Although it is not right to pick out two individuals, I think that people should know that they can come to constituency surgeries, make their point to their Member of Parliament and campaign, as these sufferers have done. In my case, David Leadbetter and Matthew Davies repeatedly came to my surgery, saying, “This mustn’t stand. More must be done.” I know that not everyone will be fully satisfied with what is being done, but it does show our democracy working and compassion in replying to this terrible problem.”
Following on from the session, Jo Churchill MP commented: “The contaminated blood scandal was, for the 5,000 victims and their families an absolute tragedy of events which should never be repeated. It is absolutely right that that the Government today, continue to support victims and their families. I believed that the lessons of this have been learnt and whilst we can never return the lives and chances lost, it is the duty of government to look after those affected.”
Talking about David Cameron’s last session as Prime Minister, Jo said: “It was a real honour to be an active part of David Cameron’s final PMQs session, something I will never forget. I thought he gave a dignified and heartfelt final performance. The session was characteristic of his best qualities; his compassion, commitment to his public duty and above all his quick wit!
Nevertheless, I am delighted to be able to welcome Theresa May as our new Prime Minister and I am proud to see a second female leader of the Party and the country. Having vetted each candidate closely, I believe her skills and experience make her the best person for the task ahead.”
http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/9d3aa2fb-c07c-467c-9112-d05b68d3d233?in=12:23:00&out=12:25:02