Lack of response to mesh report ‘deeply disappointing’, says minister

The delay in a response from the UK Government on a report into transvaginal mesh is “deeply disappointing”, the Scottish Government has said.

Dr Henrietta Hughes, the Patient Safety Commissioner for England, published a report in February 2024 on the need for financial and non-financial redress for women and children affected by transvaginal mesh or the medicine sodium valproate.

The report was commissioned by the previous UK government, but current Labour ministers have said they will consider her findings and respond to them.

During questions at Holyrood, Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw asked the Scottish Government: “What progress has been made on discussions with the UK Government in relation to the Hughes Report?”

Public health minister Jenni Minto said the UK Government “has still not responded”.

She said: “The second anniversary of Dr Henrietta Hughes’s report on redress for women affected by transvaginal mesh and people impacted by sodium valproate approaches, and it is deeply disappointing that the UK Government has still not responded.

“Since the report’s publication, we have worked closely with the other devolved governments to seek a response. Scottish ministers have written to UK ministers on multiple occasions – in October 2024, February 2025 and July 2025 – and a meeting between the four UK health ministers finally took place last month.

“Despite this, the UK Government has made no substantial proposals on financial redress, nor set a date for publishing a response. We consider this delay unreasonable and unfair to those affected, who have now waited two years for action.

“I want to be absolutely clear; the Scottish Government has received no proposals from the UK Government for financial redress schemes that would implement Dr Hughes’s recommendations. We stand ready to consider any proposals, and to work constructively on a four-country basis.”

Mesh implants were used in vaginal surgeries in Scotland until 2018, when ministers put a moratorium in place after some patients who had undergone the procedure said they were left with painful and debilitating complications.

The surgery was used to treat problems such as incontinence and vaginal prolapse.

Dr Hughes’s report and recommendations were originally concerned with those affected in England.

Both Dr Hughes and the UK Government have acknowledged people across Britain have been affected, and also that issues relevant to the report concern UK-wide responsibilities of the British Government.

Ms Minto continued: “We will continue to push for a resolution. In the meantime, the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland remain committed to supporting those affected – including offering mesh removal surgery for women and exploring how support for people harmed by valproate can be organised in Scotland.”

The UK Government has been approached for comment.

The issue was raised in the Commons on Thursday, and Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell said in response: “These are complex issues and the Government’s response needs to be both fair, balanced and sensitive to everyone.

“But I do appreciate the frustration of members on the timescale and the need for clarity for everyone who is affected.”