‘Infected blood scandal victims should not have been compelled to struggle for justice’

Those affected by the deadly contaminated blood scandal deserve justice, but they should never have been forced to fight for it in the first place.

Just like the families of the 97 Liverpool fans killed in the Hillsborough football stadium disaster, they were made to battle against grotesque official deceit and indifference in a bid to get some answers.

Today’s long-awaited report into the blood horror from public inquiry chair Brian Longstaff is about starting to correct an awful, unforgivable wrong, but ministers must refrain from patting themselves on the back.

Full apologies must be given and compensation paid promptly, not delayed as it is to female pensioners born in the 1950s and sub post masters and mistresses unlawfully persecuted in the Fujitsu Post Office scandal.

No police officers, or those who smeared Liverpool supporters, were successfully prosecuted over Hillsborough.

So, if nobody is convicted over the blood scandal then justice will not be fully delivered.

Meals a must

HUNGRY primary pupils unable to concentrate properly do not learn, which is why feeding children is an investment that would pay huge dividends.

Heads reporting the problem worsening and a growing number of schools dipping into stretched budgets to help ravenous children.

Primary pupils in some areas including London, Wales and Scotland enjoy them.

But in too many other areas of England they don’t include some low-wage families, which is why we need free school meals for all.

What a season

Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions, making history with a fourth successive title.

And the tears at Anfield over the retirement of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp show the unique emotional hold of the sport on its fans.

Whether exhilarated or despairing, they will already be looking forward to next season.