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James Robinson

Northumberland victim of infected blood scandal worried Sue Gray investigation will cause delays

A man who became a victim of the infected blood scandal at just one-year-old is concerned Sue Gray's inquiry into the Downing Street 'partygate' saga could delay justice to his fellow victims.

Sean Cavens, from Bedlington in Northumberland, was given Factor 9 as a baby in Scotland to treat his haemophilia, and was infected with Hepatitis C.

It makes him one of at least 3,891 people infected with the virus in the 1970s and 80s as a result of receiving contaminated clotting factor products supplied by the NHS.

Read more: Go here for more Northumberland news and updates from Northumberland Live

An inquiry into the scandal is being led by Sir Brian Langstaff looking into why people were given the infected blood, the impact on families, the response of the authorities and whether or not there was a cover-up.

A second study led by Sir Robert Francis QC is looking into compensation, with a report due to be delivered to the Paymaster General, Michael Ellis in March.

The Second Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office, Sue Gray, is the senior sponsor official for the infected blood inquiry and is also leading the so-called partygate inquiry into a number of gatherings in Downing Street during strict coronavirus lockdown.

Investigating: Whitehall's parties investigator Sue Gray (PA)

Sean fears that the partygate inquiry could bring delays in justice for himself and his fellow campaigners.

He said: "From my side of things and what I'm involved in is the infected blood inquiry, where Sue Gray is the senior sponsor as the lead civil servant for that.

"She is also involved in what's going on in the compensation case led by Robert Francis.

"These are things that are very important to me and the community who have been infected and affected.

"When we see that Boris Johnson's 'work events' that are daily news coming out, and she's having to investigate that into next week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Getty Images)

"Her time and effort is being taken away from this inquiry. We're four years into this inquiry now.

"My main concern is to remember the inquiry still going on and that it has the full resources available to complete its findings."

Sean also criticised Boris Johnson for the reported behaviour in Downing Street.

He added: "On July 14 2020, my Nan died and we were only allowed so many people in the cemetery at Blyth. The rest of my family had to sit outside. It's just a kick in the teeth.

"It doesn't come as a surprise to me. Looking at this whole Government, it's got no credibility. You can't trust the man in charge."

Sean's cause was taken up by his MP, Wansbeck's Ian Lavery.

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery (PA)

He wrote to the cabinet office questioning Sue Gray's suitability for the role of partygate investigator.

Mr Lavery's letter read: "My constituent Sean Cavens is a victim of the contaminated blood scandal. He continues to campaign vigorously for justice for himself and all those others who were affected.

"Over the weekend Mr Cavens contacted me with his concerns about the investigation currently taking place into the seemingly daily breaches of Covid guidelines throughout 2020 and 2023 in Downing Street, when the rest of the country was facing authoritarian enforcement, and its potential to cause further delays to the ongoing enquiry.

"He is particularly concerned that resources are not taken away from Sir Brian Langstaff and the infected blood inquiry nor the work of Sir Robert Francis' compensation study."

Responding to the concerns, the Cabinet Office insisted the Downing Street investigation by Sue Gray would not impact the work of either inquiry.

A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said: “The ongoing Infected Blood Inquiry was set up to establish the truth and give individuals and families the answers they rightly deserve.

“The Inquiry is continuing to work at pace, with hearings continuing this week.”

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