STORY
Keir Starmer is expected to issue a formal state apology in the House of Commons to mothers and children affected by historic forced adoption policies in England and Wales.
The apology relates to the period between 1949 and 1976, when an estimated 185,000 babies born to unmarried mothers were placed for adoption. Campaigners have long argued that women were coerced by a culture of shame and by the actions of public bodies, religious organisations and other institutions.
The statement follows calls from parliamentary committees for the Government to acknowledge responsibility for the harm caused. The apology will put England and Wales closer to the position already taken by administrations in Wales and Scotland, where formal apologies were issued in 2023.