Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what consideration she has given to awarding compensation to individuals impacted by forced adoptions.

On 2 July, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister issued a formal apology on behalf of the state for historical forced adoption practices in England.

The government recognises that these practices caused deep and lasting harm to many mothers, adopted people and families. The apology acknowledged the role of the state and some public institutions in systems that failed to protect and support mothers, children and families, and recognised that women were denied genuine choice.

Alongside the apology, the government announced a £4 million support package, to be delivered over the next three years. Our focus is on delivering practical support that can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives today and that responds to what people have told us matters most. This includes improving access to adoption records, strengthening intermediary and reconnection services, and improving recognition and signposting within health services.