Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, has faced criticism from families affected by the sodium valproate scandal, with campaigners accusing him of failing to deliver promised support for children born disabled after their mothers were prescribed the epilepsy drug during pregnancy. Since the 1970s, an estimated 14,000 children in the UK have been born with physical or developmental disabilities linked to sodium valproate, commonly sold under the brand name Epilim, produced by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi.

The epilepsy drug was widely prescribed to pregnant women despite known risks to unborn babies, leading to a long-standing campaign for compensation and better care for the affected families. Two official reviews, including one by England’s patient safety commissioner Henrietta Hughes, have condemned the handling of the case and called for a two-stage financial redress scheme. Interim payments were supposed to have started last year, but no formal compensation program has yet been implemented.

Burnham previously expressed strong support for families impacted by valproate-related disabilities, appearing alongside campaign leaders Janet Williams and Emma Murphy, who represent the Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust (In-fact). In May 2023, he publicly declared his support for the campaign and held an online meeting with Williams and Murphy as prime minister, reiterating his backing for their cause. However, in September 2023, when a Conservative amendment to the Health Bill aimed at establishing a compensation scheme was proposed, Labour MPs were instructed to vote against it, a move that disappointed families advocating for swift action.

Murphy, a mother of five children affected by sodium valproate, described the response as a "betrayal," highlighting the decades-long wait for justice and criticizing the government for prioritizing other areas such as defense spending over the needs of valproate-affected families. Sarah Kirk from Kent, whose three children have disabilities attributed to valproate, echoed this sentiment. She recounted being unaware of the drug’s risks when prescribed and detailed the extensive care needs and financial burdens her family continues to bear. Kirk expressed feelings of abandonment, noting that Burnham’s support seemed to wane after he assumed office as prime minister.

Government officials acknowledge the complexity of the issue, with patient safety minister Diana Johnson emphasizing the need for coordinated action across departments. She stressed that while no decision on financial redress has yet been made, urgency remains a priority, with ongoing discussions aimed at thoroughly assessing options.

Campaigners and affected families argue that the need for redress is clear and urgent, pointing to the significant long-term impact on children’s lives and the financial strain on their caregivers. Some also note that progress has been achieved on other high-profile compensation cases, such as the Hillsborough disaster and the infected blood scandal, raising questions about the delay in addressing the sodium valproate issue.

A documentary examining the valproate scandal is scheduled to air on BBC Two on November 9, potentially bringing renewed attention to the campaign for justice and compensation.