The UK Government has confirmed it will issue a formal apology on behalf of the state for its role in historic forced adoptions in England. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described this period as 'a shameful chapter in our history', where thousands of mothers were coerced into giving up their children, often facing immense societal pressure. This move follows years of campaigning from those affected.
During the 1950s to 1980s, an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from their mothers, who were predominantly unmarried and vulnerable to coercion. Ms Phillipson indicated that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would provide further details on the apology soon, adding gravity to the situation. She reassured those affected that they 'would get the apology you so profoundly deserve'.
The announcement aligns with a recommendation from the Education Committee's report published in March, which urged the Government to acknowledge its role in the forced adoptions. The committee noted that while no single perpetrator existed, government decisions created an environment where unmarried mothers were shamed and coerced into giving up their children for adoption.
The committee's report also highlighted the need for improvements in access to records for both adoptees and mothers, as well as better support for individuals navigating family contact or reunions. While financial redress was not proposed, the Government is advised to assess how other nations have responded to similar historical forced adoption practices.
This move by the UK Government mirrors actions taken by devolved administrations. Both Scotland and Wales issued apologies in 2023, while reports suggest that the Church of England may soon follow suit, highlighting the widespread nature of these institutional roles.