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Harrogate MP welcomes forced adoption apology

Friday, 3 July 2026 07:25

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Local MP Tom Gordon has welcomed a Government apology to victims of forced adoption after securing a commitment to establish a National Advice Line.

The Prime Minister apologised on behalf of the Government to tens of thousands of mothers who were coerced, bullied or misled into giving up their babies for adoption.

The Government also announced a new online resource to help people locate adoption records.

During the Commons exchange, Mr Gordon asked what support would be available for people unable to access services online and called for a national telephone line to ensure digitally excluded victims could access records and support.

The Prime Minister confirmed that a National Advice Line will be established to help those affected, including people who have not yet come forward, access support in a way that works best for them.

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:

“I welcome this long overdue apology and the work the Government has set out today to provide information and support to mothers, and to their now grown-up children, who were victims of forced adoption.

“The Prime Minister’s commitment to a National Advice Line will ensure that no one is left behind because they can’t get online.

“This apology must now be followed by real, practical action, so that these injustices are never repeated.”

The practice of pressuring single mothers into giving up their children for adoption was particularly widespread between 1949 and 1976, although it continued beyond that period.

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