PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed the Prime Minister’s ordering of an inquiry into the contaminated blood scandal that left thousands dead.

Between 1970 and 1991, thousands of people were treated with contaminated blood products, including a Blackburn 68-year-old.

John Smith (not his real name) of Blackburn was one of 30,000 haemophiliacs infected with blood-borne conditions hepatitis C and HIV with devastating consequences.

He has welcomed the inquiry although regretting it took 30 years to launch after 2,400 victims died.

Since 2010 Mr Stephenson has spoken with several Pendle residents affected by contaminated blood and has raised the matter repeatedly with ministers.

He said: “Pendle residents have suffered as a result of the past failures to properly screen blood transfusions.

“This announcement pledges that victims and affected families will be involved in the inquiry and receive proper justice for their suffering.

“I encourage all those who may have been affected to contribute to this overdue inquiry.”

Mr Stephenson’s intervention came as campaigners and families of those affected yesterday boycotted a meeting with Department of Health officials over the remit of a UK-wide inquiry.

Several groups have rejected the Government’s consultation on its scope, saying the department being investigated should not be involved in setting up the inquiry.