James Wild MP has called on the government to respond urgently to the Hughes Report which recommends financial redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh implants.
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate marking the first anniversary of the report’s publication, James talked about his constituents Colleen, Andy, and their son Byron who he met before the debate to highlight the ongoing delay in delivering justice for victims and urged the government to deliver compensation to an estimated 20,000 victims.
Sodium valproate, an epilepsy drug, has been linked to serious birth defects and developmental disorders when taken during pregnancy but people were not warned of the dangers. Similarly, pelvic mesh implants were widely used to treat conditions such as prolapse and incontinence, but many women have experienced severe complications.
The Hughes Report published in 2024 by the previous government outlined a clear framework for both financial and non-financial redress for those affected. However, the current government has yet to act on these recommendations.
In his speech, James shared the emotional and financial toll faced by families like that of Andy and Colleen, whose son, Byron, was born with complex health challenges due to sodium valproate. Unaware of the risks while Colleen was using the medication during pregnancy, they have fought for years to secure support for their son.
James Wild MP said:
“I have constituents who have suffered at the hands of this tragedy. Sadly, as we know – this is not an isolated incident. An estimated 20,000 children have been harmed and parents like Andy and Colleen deserve to see this Government act.”
The key recommendation of a redress scheme remains unresolved as the previous government did not respond formally due to the general election. Now James has called on the government to publish a formal response to the Hughes Report and commit to ensuring that victims receive full financial compensation as soon as possible:
“When I asked Colleen and Andy what they wanted to hear from the Minister, they said that they wanted a commitment to getting the scheme up and running, and a timeframe for the Government to deliver the interim compensation, and then the final compensation, as well as an apology from all those who are responsible for the scandal.
It is seven years since the Cumberlege review began, but people have been fighting for justice for much longer. Colleen and Andy, and thousands of parents like them, need progress and redress so that they can be confident about their children’s future. I hope the government will be able to give those families some of that assurance.”
