The UK now has a new Parliament and Government. This is a chance to change how hepatitis C is understood by people in power, to secure justice on infected blood, and to finish the job of eliminating hepatitis C.

This country has the opportunity to right a huge historic wrong, and to achieve a world-leading public health success.

What you can do

1. WRITE TO YOUR MP

You can reach out to the MP where you live and ask them to support justice and equity for people with hepatitis C.

They can raise hepatitis C elimination and infected blood in Parliament to make sure that they are on the next Government’s agenda, meet with constituents impacted by infected blood, or learn more about the work of local peer teams from The Hepatitis C Trust supporting people in their area.

Put in your postcode to find your MP and their email address.

You can copy the text below.

Hepatitis C – Calls for my MP

Dear [Name],

As my MP, I am writing to you to ask you to support delivering justice for the infected blood community and eliminating hepatitis C by 2030.

Hepatitis C is a life-threatening virus that affects the liver, potentially leading to fatal cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although it is now curable, many people remain undiagnosed due to inadequate healthcare access. In England alone, an estimated 62,600 people are still living with a hepatitis C infection. The virus is predominantly found among disadvantaged groups, exacerbating existing health inequalities. I am calling for the Government to:

1. Continue supporting the NHS Hepatitis C Elimination Programmes in all UK nations until elimination status is confirmed
2. Rebuild harm reduction services, preventing hepatitis C, HIV and other blood-borne viruses
3. Develop a national action plan to ensure hepatitis C can never return
4. Tackle severe health inequalities and exclusion from healthcare

Furthermore, the Infected Blood Inquiry concluded in 2024 and revealed systemic failures that led to 30,000 patients being infected with hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV and over 3,000 deaths. This is why we need:

1. Compensation to everyone given hepatitis C, hepatitis B and/or HIV through infected blood, and those affected.
2. Full implemention of the Inquiry’s recommendations.

This Parliament has a unique opportunity to rectify a historic injustice and achieve a major public health victory. You can find out more about the work of The Hepatitis C Trust here.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your address]

If you get a reply, we’d really appreciate it if you let us know at elliot.bidgood@hepctrust.org.uk

2. Speak to your mp

You might be able to meet with your MP or go to one of their constituency surgeries, usually held on Fridays or Saturdays when they’re in their constituency. Hearing stories from one of their own constituents about a long-running issue like hepatitis C or infected blood can help politicians understand how serious it is and how affected people in their area are, which makes it more likely that they will campaign on the issue in Parliament if elected.

When you meet them, you can explain a bit about the priorities The Hepatitis C Trust have laid out above, how these issues may have affected you or loved ones. If they are elected, you could then ask your MP to commit to:

• Writing to the most relevant minister to press for action.
• Asking questions in Parliament about what work the Government are doing (The Hepatitis C Trust’s policy & parliamentary team can send drafts of questions to MP’s offices to help them with this, if you let me know).
• Meet with The Hepatitis C Trust’s policy and parliamentary team to discuss ways they can highlight infected blood and hepatitis C in Parliament.

tOP TIPS:

• Keep it simple – stick to a few main points and key messages.
• Keep it personal and local. If you feel comfortable, share your personal experiences with them and make them realise the impact hepatitis C has on lives. Tell them why this is an issue locally and what can be done locally to improve services and help people with the virus.
• If the candidate asks a question you can’t answer, offer to get back to them with the information.
• If they try to change the subject, politely but firmly bring them back to the topic in hand by saying something like, “I know your time is very valuable; but we really only came here to discuss how you can help on this issue”.
• It may be useful to take notes, particularly if some action is agreed on that you might want to follow up on.
• Make sure you leave them with an action or commitment to take forward.
• Write a thank you letter or email afterwards and re-emphasise your points.

3. Sign up to our online campaign network

You can sign up here to join our campaign network, and use your voice to make a real difference in the lives of people affected by hepatitis C.

You’ll receive email updates full of campaign news and opportunities to get involved with our work. Be it writing to your local politicians, inputting your views into our policy responses, taking part in surveys or joining our social media campaigns. Together, we can change the lives of people affected by hepatitis C.

If you need further support or have any questions, please contact: elliot.bidgood@hepctrust.org.uk