MPs urge UK government apology over historical forced adoptions

Officials highlight the lasting trauma for mothers and adoptees and call for urgent recognition and reconciliation with survivor groups.

Transcript

00:00A cross-party group of MPs is calling for the UK government to issue a formal apology

00:05for its role in historical forced adoptions. Between 1949 and 1976 an estimated 185,000

00:13babies were taken from unmarried mothers in England and Wales. Survivors and mothers experience

00:19trauma from coercive practices, often linked to religious organisations and local authorities.

00:25MPs say a public apology is essential to correct the record and support those affected. The

00:31government has yet to act while Scotland and Wales have already issued apologies.

00:36Officials stress the apology must be senior led

00:38and coordinated with survivor groups to reflect the scale of harm caused.