EASTLEIGH MP David Chidgey has called on the government to formally acknowledge that nearly 5,000 haemophiliacs were infected through no fault of their own in the 1970s and 1980s.

Most were infected via blood products used by the NHS and many have since died from the HIV and hepatitis viruses.

Mr Chidgey wore a lily during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Question Time in support of the Haemophilia Society which is leading the campaign.

He said: "The time has come for the government to act decisively and recognise the appalling way in which this patient group has been treated.

"I call on the government to announce that, with immediate effect, the safer blood clotting product Recombinant will be made freely available to everyone who needs it and that the government will provide urgent financial help for people with haemophilia." Karin Pappenheim, chief executive of the Haemophilia Society, added: "Thousands of people across the UK have been affected by the infection of the haemophilia community with HIV and hepatitis C either directly or through family circumstances.

"In addition to the illness and loss of life, many face problems obtaining health insurance, mortgages or life insurance, leaving many with little or no way of providing for their current health care needs, let alone for their families in the event of their death. The support of MPs like David Chidgey is both welcome and encouraging."