ENGLAND — Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the government will issue a formal state apology for historical forced adoption in England during her evidence to the education select committee.

Phillipson indicated that the prime minister would provide further details on the apology at a later time. She said, "I know that you and the committee will want to hear that this government will very soon be making a full apology on behalf of the state to all of those affected by historic forced adoption in England." Phillipson also stated, "But here and now, let me say to all of those affected, you will get the apology that you so profoundly deserve."

Between 1949 and 1976, an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption in England and Wales. Religious organizations operated most mother and baby homes there where pregnant unmarried women were sent to give birth. Charities and local authorities funded adoption placements and secured adoptive parents for these babies.

A committee report had previously called for a formal and public apology, explaining it was necessary to correct the public record and reduce the burdens on affected mothers and adoptees. The committee recommended ministers commit to an apology and work with survivor groups to draft the wording. Helen Hayes, Chair of the committee, said, "Hearing from survivors about their experiences was one of the most moving days I have experienced in parliament." Hayes added, "Historical forced adoption practices coerced mothers and caused unimaginable trauma for multiple generations of women and profound, often devastating impacts for their children."

A 2022 report by the joint committee on human rights recommended that ministers apologize to unmarried women who were pressured into unwanted adoptions. The previous Conservative government had expressed regret for the treatment of unmarried women but did not issue a formal state apology. That government had stated it did not believe the state actively supported the adoption practices.