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Cross-Party Group Annual Report.
2017 -2018 Cross Party Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood
1. Group membership and office holders.
Chair : Julie Morgan AM
Dr Dai Lloyd (vice Chair), Mick Antoniw, Rhun Ap Iowerth, Jane Hutt, Caroline Jones, Mark Isherwood, Angela Burns, Huw Irranca Davies, Hefin David, Mike Hedges
Secretary : Lynne Kelly, Haemophilia Wales
2. Previous Group Meetings since the last AGM.
1st CPG Meeting 27th September 2017
Attendees: Haemophilia Wales Trustees, members and patients and families
There was a discussion about the disjointed approach in England and it was agreed that Wales continues to be one voice representing all infected and affected people. The APPG at Westminster were favouring a non Judge led Public Inquiry with a panel. This view was not shared by the CPG. Julie Morgan AM, Lynne Kelly and Michael Imperato had addressed the APPG to outline the consensus of a Judge led Inquiry in Wales. A letter was subsequently sent to Welsh Government from the APPG asking for support for a non Judge led Inquiry and Julie intervened to ensure this did not happen. The Northern Irish situation was discussed as there is no representation for victims there. The Wales Infected Blood support scheme was discussed, assurances had been given by Welsh Government that no one would be worse off under the new scheme. Lump sum one off payments would be paid to widows equivalent to 3 years annual payment entitlement. Questions were invited from the floor and a group discussion followed.
2nd CPG Meeting 24th April 2018
Attendees: Haemophilia Wales Trustees, members and patients and families
The Terms of reference for the Infected Blood Inquiry were discussed in detail to ensure that everything was covered. It was important that everyone felt their concerns whould be covered in the Inquiry. Julie Morgan, Michael Imperato and Haemophilia Wales met with the Haemophilia Society to outline the approach from Wales as a united single voice. The scandal after the scandal was discussed at length and the unfairness of the ex gratia payment schemes across the UK. Comparisons were made with the Irish and
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Scottish schemes. A proposal had been put to Welsh Government for payments in line with Scotland as an interim measure. Any recommendations arising out of the Inquiry will be Welsh Government’s responsibility. Questions and answers from the floor.
3rd meeting and AGM 18th July 2018
Attendees: Haemophilia Wales Trustees, members and patients and families
Julie Morgan was re elected as Chair of the group, Dr Dai Lloyd as vice Chair and Lynne Kelly, Haemophilia Wales as Secretary. Haemophilia Wales and the Cross Party Group reported that the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry into Infected Blood covered everything that had been asked for in their submission to Justice Langsaff. The Inquiry team held a meeting on the 9th July attended by 60 people where the Terms of Reference were discussed at length with everyone. There was an open discussion about individual circumstances.
An overview of the Inquiry was given by Michael Imperato, Watkins and Gunn, Christian Howells and Lloyd Williams. Watkins and Gunn are one of the recognised solicitors for the Inquiry but if people prefer to deal directly with the Inquiry then they can do so without a solicitor. The Group Litigation was discussed and this is completely separate to the Public Inquiry. The preliminary Hearings for the Public Inquiry will start on 24th September 2018.
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3. No Professional lobbyists and no expenses were incurred by the group.
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Annual Financial Statement. 2017 -2018 Cross Party Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood
Chair : Julie Morgan AM
Secretary: Lynne Kelly, Haemophilia Wales
Group’s Expenses. None. £0.00
Costs of all goods. No goods purchased. £0.00
Benefits received by the No benefits received. £0.00 group or individual Members from outside bodies.
Any secretariat or other No financial support £0.00 support. received.
Services provided to the Group such as hospitality.
All refreshments paid for by Haemophilia Wales.
Date Description and name of Cost provider
CPG September 27th 2017 196.14 £196.14 CPG April 24th 2018 279.48 £279.48 CPG AGM July 18th 2018 279.48 £279.48
Total cost £755.10
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