Starmer to issue formal apology to mothers and children harmed by historic forced adoption policies – UK politics live
Summary
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will formally apologize in Parliament for the forced adoption of around 185,000 babies born to unmarried mothers in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976. This apology follows long campaigns and government reports recognizing the harm caused by these policies.Key Facts
- Between 1949 and 1976, about 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers in England and Wales and placed for adoption.
- Many mother and baby homes where this happened were run by religious groups, but local councils also arranged the adoptions.
- The forced adoption was linked to social shame around pregnancy outside marriage during that time.
- The UK’s Joint Committee on Human Rights called for a formal state apology in 2022.
- The Conservative government in 2023 expressed sorrow on behalf of society but did not issue a formal apology.
- Starmer’s apology comes after meetings with campaigners and follows similar apologies given in Wales and Scotland.
- Northern Ireland plans to apologize after a public inquiry into similar adoption cases.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described this period as “shameful” and confirmed the UK government’s intention to apologize formally.
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