The Bill presented by Liam Conlon (Labour) aims to ensure that survivors of mother and baby homes in Ireland, who are now residing in Britain, can receive compensation without it impacting their means-tested benefits or social care entitlements. This initiative, dubbed 'Philomena’s Law,' seeks to remove financial barriers and is named after Philomena Lee, a prominent figure whose story of forced separation from her child was popularized globally. The Bill proposes an indefinite capital disregard to prevent compensation from being deemed as savings, ensuring survivors are not penalized.
Estimated number of mother and baby home survivors currently living in Britain.
Historical Context:
- Philomena Lee's ordeal highlighted the broader injustices faced by women in Irish mother and baby homes, where rigorously enforced societal norms dictated harsh treatment for unwed mothers.
- 2021 saw the apology from the Irish government, followed by the launch of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme in March 2023, designed to provide restitution to survivors.
Current application rate for the payment scheme among survivors in Britain.
Current Implications:
- About 13,000 survivors in Britain could face a reduction in benefits, discouraging many from claiming compensation. Currently, only 5% have applied for the payments.
- The Bill draws on precedents set by compensation schemes such as those for 7/7 bombing victims and the Windrush victims, emphasizing fairness and justice.
Year Philomena Lee gave birth at a mother and baby home in Ireland.
Year of the official apology from the Irish government regarding mother and baby home abuses.
Outcome
The Bill, endorsed across multiple parties, successfully passed its First Reading. With an agreement for a Second Reading scheduled for March 28, it marks a forward movement towards rectifying systemic financial injustices faced by survivors residing in Britain.
Key Contributions
Proposed the Bill addressing the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.
Co-sponsored the Bill, reinforcing the need for legislative protection for survivors.
Co-sponsored the Bill, underscoring cross-party backing for the legislative proposal.
Co-sponsored the Bill, reiterating the scheme's significance for survivors' dignity.
Joined as a Bill supporter to advocate for survivors' rights to compensation without financial detriment.
Lined up in support of recognizing survivors' efforts and facilitating justice.
Highlighted as a backing figure of the Bill, reflecting a collective endeavor.
Emphasized collaboration to ensure passage of legislation that facilitates just treatment of survivors.
Provided a base of support, encouraging awareness of historical injustices faced by victims.
Aligned with the Bill to push for policy that upholds justice for survivors.
Co-sponsored the Bill, supporting its emotional and social justice motivations.
Part of the broader coalition advocating for changes to support vulnerable groups.
All content derived from official parliamentary records