Committee publication · Correspondence · 10 June 2026
Correspondence with Secretary of State on Historical Forced Adoption dated 10.06.26
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Historical Forced Adoption
Summary
Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the Education Committee, writes to the Secretary of State for Education demanding an overdue government response to the Committee's March 2026 report on historical forced adoption. The response was due 27 May 2026 but remains outstanding. Hayes emphasises survivors' testimony and urges urgent action, particularly regarding the Committee's call for an unqualified formal government apology.
Key findings
- The Education Committee's report on historical forced adoption was published 27 March 2026, following a 2022 JCHR major report on the same subject
- The Committee heard testimony from survivors describing lasting emotional and psychological impacts of forced adoption practices
- Government response deadline of 27 May 2026 has passed with no response submitted
- The Committee specifically called for the Government to issue an unqualified, formal apology to all those affected by historical forced adoption
Tone
CriticalTopics
child-welfarehistorical-injusticeparliamentary-accountability
Key actors
Helen Hayes MP, Bridget Phillipson MP, Education Committee, Joint Committee on Human Rights
Notable line
“It is particularly important that those who contributed to the inquiry, many of whom have waited a very long time to have their experiences recognised …”
Key Quotes
“… the Education Committee recently heard deeply moving and often distressing evidence from individuals affected by these horrific practices.”
“I am mindful of the responsibility that their evidence places upon Parliament, and upon the Government, to ensure their voices are met with meaningful action.”
“Under the usual arrangements, the Government's response to the Committee's report was due by 27 May 2026. That deadline has now passed and we have not yet received a response.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗