LIBERAL Democrat leader Tim Farron has stood up for contaminated blood victims in Parliament.

Mr Farron called for a fairer financial settlement for the loved ones of constituents infected by diseases as a result of contaminated blood transfusions more than 30 years ago.

In the 1970s and ‘80s, thousands were accidentally infected with hepatitis or HIV. Since, campaigners have called for a financial settlement from Government.

It was announced earlier this year that the loved ones of people who had died would receive a one-off settlement payment of £10,000 but many do not see this as enough.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Farron said: “Two of my constituents—Mike Dorricott and Neil Howson—sadly passed away as a consequence of contaminated blood and the diseases that they contracted.

“The fact that the one-off payment is not backed up by the generosity, regularity and dependability of an annual payment means that such people often have to give up work, lose the ability to have a pension of their own and find themselves in immense hardship.”

Many campaigners would like to see parity with the provision made for widows, widowers and partners by the Scottish Government.

In Scotland, those with HIV and advanced hepatitis C receive an annual payment of £37,000 and bereaved partners continue to receive 75 per cent of their annual payment.

Mike Dorricott, from Sedbergh, died from liver cancer caused by hepatitis C that he contracted after undergoing routine dental surgery in 1983.

His daughter, Sarah, has been campaigning with her mother Ann for parity with Scotland and is frustrated with the £10,000 payout.

“I think that the £10,000 payout is going to be it,” the 26-year-old said. “I think that the Scotland amount is a very reasonable amount for closure.

“I am getting fed up of it but I will always always carry on doing this because my dad was such an avid campaigner.”

During the debate, Nicola Blackwood, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health, said that she recognised some felt the new payments were not sufficient.

“However, they are based on the consultation response, and a judgment was made to provide support to the widest group of people possible to recognise the pain and suffering of those who have been affected by this tragedy,” she said.

“Difficult judgments have to be made in relation to prioritising support.”