UK government urged to set out timetable for ‘Philomena’s law’

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC

The Irish and UK governments last month jointly announced plans for payments made from Ireland’s mother and baby institutions payments scheme to be disregarded in means tests for benefits across the UK.

Liam Conlon MP had previously proposed legislation on the matter in Westminster, which was dubbed “Philomena’s law” in honour of mother and baby home survivor Philomena Lee.

Campaigners including 70-year-old Rosemary Adaser, who has lived in Britain since 1976, say survivors now need clarity on when the legal change will actually happen.

Ms Adaser, who lives in west London, said: “The prime minister’s warm words were welcome, but now those words must be matched by urgent action.

“Survivors of mother and baby homes have already waited decades for recognition of the abuse we suffered. Many of us are elderly and living on limited means.”

Rosemary’s twin brother Anthony Adaser – who lives in Ireland – is also a survivor and was eligible for, and received, his compensation from the Irish state. He has not suffered any financial penalties from either welfare or tax authorities in Ireland, and received his full compensation weeks after he applied.

“But, at the moment, survivors in the UK face a cruel choice: accept compensation for what happened to us and risk losing the benefits we rely upon simply to survive,” Ms Adaser said.

“That cannot be right. It cannot be right that my sibling gets what he rightly deserves, but I am penalised. 

“Survivors are dying without access to what they’re entitled to. I am terrified I will die without this being resolved, and it will be too late for me and my family.

“I am calling on the prime minister to meet with me urgently so we can discuss the timetable for Philomena’s Law and ensure it is introduced without delay. This cannot wait any longer.”

Although the UK prime minister has committed in principle to introducing legislation, survivors still face uncertainty and fear, as the rules have not yet changed and they have been warned that benefits could still be docked – leaving survivors to battle with individual local councils.