UK drops plan to cut benefits for survivors of Ireland’s mother and baby homes

The UK government has reversed its plan to cut benefits for survivors of Ireland's mother and baby homes who reside in Britain. This decision follows pressure from campaigners and the introduction of "Philomena's law," which aims to protect survivors' benefits if they accept compensation from the Irish government's redress scheme. Up to 13,000 survivors in the UK risked losing access to essential benefits if they accepted compensation for the suffering they endured in the homes, which housed approximately 56,000 women and 57,000 children between 1922 and 1998. The British and Irish governments jointly acknowledged the victims' suffering, ensuring survivors in both countries can receive the compensation they are entitled to. The Irish redress scheme was established after an inquiry revealed cruelty, neglect, and high infant mortality rates in these institutions.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories