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Written question asked by Lorraine Beavers (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by Emma Reynolds (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.

Sodium Valproate: Compensation

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will commit to introducing an interim redress scheme for victims of the Sodium Valproate scandal, as recommended in the Hughes Report.

Answer

The Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care are in regular contact on a range of issues, including health and social care policy.

As previously set out, the Government extends its sincere and heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by sodium valproate. We recognise the suffering that many individuals and families have experienced and the lasting impact these harms have had on their health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Policy on the issue of redress for families affected by sodium valproate during pregnancy is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Care. The Department has been in contact with the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC), Professor Henrietta Hughes, with regard to the ongoing health initiatives it is taking forward in conjunction with NHS England, relating to sodium valproate. Details of the Government’s work to date are set out in recent letters to Professor Hughes, which are published on the PSC website.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26306
Session
2026-27
Related items
Sodium Valproate: Compensation
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Compensation Sodium valproate
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk