Recently, I had the honour of meeting Marie Lyon, Chair of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests (ACDHPT) in Parliament. For decades, Marie has been fighting for justice for women and families affected by the effects of the hormone pregnancy test Primodos produced by German pharmaceutical company Schering, which was used by 1.5 million pregnant women between the 50s and 70s. It’s ingredients were similar to oral contraceptives but 40 times the strength and evidence has shown that the use of Primodos has been linked to birth defects in newborn babies aswell as cases of miscarriages and stillbirths.

Marie spoke passionately about her fight for justice, having been prescribed Primodos herself in the 70s leading to the birth of her daughter without fully formed limbs. We spoke about the effects Primodos has had on thousands of women and families across the country, including many in my constituency and how the need for accountability is crucial in supporting those affected and to make sure such a thing may never occur again.

I was appalled to hear about the decades-long coverup of the damaging effects of Primodos by medical experts, the Government and Schering which has led to a lifetime of suffering both physically and psychologically for so many. I want to commend Marie’s efforts, as well as the efforts of dozens of campaigners across the nation, for the monumental work they have done so far in campaigning for justice and closure for those affected.

I fully support the ACDHPT’s call on the Government to set up an independent review of the ‘Expert Working Group’ review, independent of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It must be done so in collaboration with the families affected by Priomodos to ensure that any future review has the trust and confidence of those impacted by its decisions.

I will continue to work with colleagues in Parliament and campaigners to keep pushing for this review so that all those affected by this tragic scandal can get the justice and closure they desperately deserve.