Infected blood scandal: Victims ‘vindicated’ after being ‘gaslit’

Among those Mr Smith criticised was Kenneth Clarke, who was health secretary from 1988 to 1990.

He was previously criticised for “misleading” the inquiry, having claimed in the past there was “no conclusive proof” that aids could be spread through blood – despite warnings of blood contamination in 1983.

“I think he owes the community an apology, not just for his time as health secretary, but for the manner and the lack of compassion and humanity he showed when he gave evidence to this inquiry,” Mr Smith said.

The BBC has approached Lord Clarke for comment.

Others criticised in the report include former prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and Sir John Major, as well as haemophiliac specialist Prof Arthur Bloom and the NHS.

Mr Smith also said it was significant that inquiry chair Sir Brian recommended that the government provide a report to parliament within 12 months explaining whether they would implement his recommendations and if not, why.

“What the chair of a public inquiry is saying to the government is ‘I don’t trust you’, and that’s what the community have been saying for decades,” he said.

Mr Smith also called for an end to governments ignoring the recommendations of public inquiries, saying “that must stop today”.