Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a formal state apology in the House of Commons on Tuesday for the United Kingdom's system of forced adoptions that operated between 1949 and 1976, targeting unmarried women. He stated that the state bore responsibility for 'funding and legitimising' the practice, which separated thousands of mothers from their babies.
Apology delivered in Commons
Starmer addressed the chamber, saying, 'I am truly sorry' to women forced to give up their babies and to those separated from their mothers at birth. He acknowledged the government's role in what he described as a 'shameful' chapter in British history. The apology came after years of campaigning by victims and their families, who sought official recognition of the harm caused.
The forced adoption system predominantly affected unmarried women, who were often coerced or pressured into relinquishing their children. Many were sent to mother-and-baby homes, where they faced stigma and limited support. The state, through local authorities and religious institutions, facilitated these adoptions, often without the mothers' full consent.
Impact on victims
According to historical records, an estimated 100,000 adoptions took place during this period, with a significant proportion involving coercion. Victims have reported long-lasting trauma, including mental health issues and difficulties in later life. The apology marks a significant step in acknowledging this pain, though campaigners argue more action is needed, such as compensation and access to records.
Starmer added, 'The shame is ours,' emphasizing that the state must accept its responsibility. He pledged to review support services for those affected and to ensure that such practices never recur. The government has also committed to working with adoption agencies and charities to address the legacy of forced adoptions.
Political and public reaction
The apology received broad cross-party support, with MPs from all sides expressing regret. Labour MP Harriet Harman, who has long campaigned on the issue, called it a 'long-overdue' moment. However, some victims' groups expressed disappointment that the apology did not include specific measures for financial redress. They continue to push for a statutory compensation scheme.
Outside Parliament, campaigners gathered to hear the apology, with many holding photographs of the children they were forced to give up. The event underscored the enduring impact of the policy, which has been described as a 'national scandal' by historians.
