Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said she welcomes the Health Minister’s announcement on increasing the payments for infected blood in order to bring them into line with the rest of the UK. She warned, however, that politics is continuing to fail victims, who should not have to wait so long for recognition and justice.

The South Belfast MLA said: “I warmly welcome the announcement today that payments for victims of infected blood will now be brought into line with the rest of the UK.

“Nevertheless, it is unacceptable that the process has taken so long and that victims have had to go through so much. It should not take endless meetings with Ministers, constant trips to Stormont, threats of Judicial Reviews and numerous media appearances to get fair compensation for victims.

“While I welcome that finally the victims in this case are receiving the recognition that their suffering deserves, there are still other victims waiting and continuing to be further victimised by unnecessarily slow political responses.

“I warmly congratulate those who have given so much to the campaign to deliver today’s outcome. Let us hope that today’s news heralds a series of similar announcements ensuring that victims are given the priority and respect they need and deserve.”