UK Government to Issue Full State Apology for Historic Forced Adoption

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told the Education Select Committee that the Prime Minister will soon deliver a full state apology to people affected by historic forced adoption, calling it a “shameful period.”

The Independent

Between 1949 and 1976 an estimated 185,000 infants were removed from unmarried mothers in England and Wales and placed for adoption. The removals were driven by stigma attached to out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Mother-and-baby homes were run by religious bodies, with charities and local authorities involved in placements.

The Guardian

The announcement was made by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Committee chair Helen Hayes and Education Minister Josh MacAlister testified. The Joint Committee on Human Rights, survivor advocacy groups, and the Welsh and Scottish governments are key stakeholders.

The Independent

The 185,000 removals show the scale of forced adoption in England and Wales. The Welsh and Scottish governments apologized in 2023, and the Catholic Church in England and Wales apologized in 2016. By contrast, Ireland introduced a financial redress scheme in 2022, Northern Ireland recommended a payment scheme in 2021, and Australia operates a compensation program for similar survivors.

The Independent

Phillipson pledged a full apology on behalf of the state and said the Prime Minister would address the shameful period. The Joint Committee on Human Rights recommended such an apology. Education Minister MacAlister acknowledged the state’s role, noting that social workers and state-run homes facilitated removals and urging improved access to adoption records and trauma-informed support. The Conservative government expressed sorrow “on behalf of society” but said a formal apology was inappropriate because the state did not actively support the practices.

The Independent

The Joint Committee on Human Rights described the earlier lack of apology as “disappointing”. Survivor groups have called for a comprehensive, survivor-led response, warning against “symbolic or incomplete action”. The committee’s report also notes that forced adoptions began before 1949 and continued after 1976, indicating the current timeline may be incomplete.

The Independent

• “She told the Education Committee on Wednesday: “I know that you and the committee will want to hear that this Government will very soon be making a full apology on behalf of the state to all of those affected by historic forced adoption in England.” — Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary

The Independent

• “Historical forced adoption practices coerced mothers and caused unimaginable trauma for multiple generations of women and profound, often devastating impacts for their children,” — Helen Hayes, Chair of the Education Select Committee

The Guardian

• “The JCHR at the time said the lack of apology was “disappointing”.” — Joint Committee on Human Rights

The Independent

The Prime Minister is expected to deliver the formal apology within weeks. The Education Committee will undertake a “rigorous assessment” of redress models used in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Australia to inform a survivor-led response that may include compensation and expanded access to adoption records.

The Independent