MPs urge an urgent apology and support for survivors of historical forced adoption
The Education Committee has called on the UK Government to issue an urgent and unqualified apology for the state’s role in historical forced adoption practices, following the publication of a new report on 27 March 2026.
The cross-party committee concluded that government policies and societal frameworks contributed to an environment in which unmarried mothers were frequently pressured or coerced into placing their children for adoption. It stated that while no single authority was solely responsible, the state played a central role in shaping the conditions under which these practices occurred.
MPs recommended that ministers make an immediate commitment to issuing a formal apology and begin working with affected individuals and organisations to develop its content. The report emphasises that the apology should be co-produced with mothers, adoptees and groups representing lived experience, and that the Government should set out a clear timetable for delivering it.
The committee also highlighted the long-term consequences of forced adoption, stating that the practices often resulted in significant and lasting impacts on the mental and physical health of those affected. It described the evidence given by survivors during its inquiry as among the most powerful and compelling it had received.
In addition to an apology, the report sets out a series of recommendations aimed at addressing the ongoing needs of survivors. These include establishing regular consultation between the Government and affected groups, improving accountability mechanisms, and reviewing international responses to similar historical practices, including approaches taken in Australia, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The committee further called for reforms to record-keeping and access. It recommended introducing a legal duty on institutions to securely maintain records, creating a single standardised access point, and issuing updated guidance to local authorities to improve support for individuals seeking information.
Other proposals include the creation of a nationally funded intermediary service to assist with contact and information-sharing, and the development of a trauma-informed healthcare pathway. This would include improved access to psychological support and national clinical guidance recognising the prevalence of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and elevated suicide risk among survivors.
Helen Hayes, Chair of the Education Committee, said the report’s findings were clear that the Government must act without delay. She stated that an apology would be an essential step in acknowledging the harm caused and supporting those affected.
The committee concluded that a formal apology, alongside practical measures, is necessary to address the legacy of forced adoption and support survivors in moving forward.