Recommendation IBI-A-7b: Wider Definition of Unethical Research
From Additional Report on Compensation, published 9 July 2025.
Recommendation
When considering the evidence IBCA applies the wider definition of research explained in the Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report chapter on Unethical Research.
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry asked the UK Government to apply a wider definition of unethical research. In July 2026, regulations made by the Secretary of State and signed by Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State, established that an eligible person was subject to unethical research practices if treated for a bleeding disorder before 1986 (The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2026, Jul 2026). The Cabinet Office had stated in April 2026 that people would not need to prove participation in a specific medical trial (Cabinet Office, Apr 2026). The department previously announced in July 2025 that it would consult on an award requiring minimal evidence (Cabinet Office response, Jul 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 5 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
The issue of unethical research is one of the most shocking areas of this scandal. In his oral evidence to the Inquiry, the Minister for the Cabinet Office agreed to look again at how the Scheme compensates victims of unethical research. As the Inquiry recommended, the Government will look to consult on the best way forward to provide an award that requires minimal evidence, minimises delays, and ensures consistency across awarding criteria.
Delivery
Cabinet Office says in progress (23 July 2026)
An eligible infected person was also subject to unethical research practices if— (a) they received, in the course of NHS treatment or armed forces treatment overseas, treatment for a bleeding disorder before 1986, and (b) they were not subject to unethical research practices in accordance with paragraph (1).
From: The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Site note: These are the words of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/872) themselves: the law as made on 23 July 2026, signed for the Secretary of State by Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State. They are the text of the Regulations, not a statement about them.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 April 2026)
This means people will not have to prove they were part of a specific medical trial, but instead the award will be available to all patients treated for a bleeding disorder before 1986.
From: Government response to consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement