Keir Starmer issues formal state apology over forced adoption scandal
Starmer said the state failed to protect vulnerable mothers and children, and the government will fund record access and family reunion services.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a formal state apology in the House of Commons for the British government's role in the historic forced adoptions of an estimated 185,000 babies from unmarried mothers between 1949 and 1976.
- The Prime Minister acknowledged that the state failed to protect vulnerable families, legitimized a coercive system driven by societal stigma, and failed to prevent profound, long-term generational harm.
- The landmark apology follows decades of campaigning by surviving mothers and adopted children who fought to clear their names of the historical accusation that they willingly gave up their babies.
- To accompany the verbal apology with practical action, the UK government announced a £4 million funding package to help victims access adoption records, reconnect with separated family members, and access specialized mental health support.
- This official statement marks a significant policy reversal from the previous UK government administration and follows similar state apologies previously issued by the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales, as well as the Church of England.
131 Articles
131 Articles
Starmer issues state apology for forced adoption of babies
PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a belated apology today on behalf of the British state for its role in the forced adoption of babies.“We are truly sorry,” the PM told mothers and children who were victims of the policy between 1949 and 1976.An estimated 185,000 babies were taken from their mothers in what Sir Keir described as “a stain on our history.“The shame is not yours. The shame was never yours. The shame is ours.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday issued a formal apology for the scandal of 185,000 forced adoptions of babies born to unmarried mothers between 1949 and 1976. In the House of Commons, MP Sarah Pochin broke down in tears as she recounted how her mother had been "forced to give up a baby for adoption" by a system "run by the Church".
Starmer issues apology on forced adoptions, but Labour still failing families
British prime minister Keir Starmer issued an apology on Thursday July 2 for the state’s role in forced adoptions over multiple decades. It rings hollow, however, given the man anti-poverty campaigners christened ‘Kid Starver’ continues to fail British families. Forced adoption is the practice of taking a child from parents without their full consent, and transferring that child to a foster family. The British state funded the system which betwe…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources lean Left
![[your]NEWS](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroundnews.b-cdn.net%2Finterests%2Ffb6dc495f74049f513563c33352175eaa0ecd509.jpg%3Fwidth%3D60&w=128&q=75)
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
