Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 25 September 2024 (HL781), what steps they have taken to help those affected by historical forced adoptions; whether they plan to give an apology to affected individuals; and what assessment they have made of the approach of devolved administrations to this issue.

This abhorrent practice should never have taken place, and our deepest sympathies are with all those affected.

The department continues to follow up on the 2022 Joint Committee on Human Rights report, including improving access to adoption records, enhancing intermediary services and preserving historical records. Regulations have been amended to make it easier for adults to access adoption support, and local authorities have been encouraged to retain records for at least 100 years.

The department is also working with Adoption England, which recently published new guidance to support consistent and legally compliant practice across adoption services. Adoption England continues to fund the pilot initiative Family Connect, a national advice line designed to provide support to adopted adults, birth parents, relatives and professionals. Officials remain in contact with the Scottish and Welsh governments to understand and learn from their approaches.