Salvation Army Expresses 'Profound Sorrow' Over Forced Adoptions as PM Issues Apology
The Salvation Army responds to PM's apology for forced adoptions, expressing profound sorrow and welcoming support for survivors.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a landmark formal apology on July 2, 2026, for the UK state's role in historic forced adoption practices in England, primarily between 1949 and 1976. The apology, which acknowledged that mothers were coerced, bullied, or misled into giving up their children, was described by the Prime Minister as a "stain on our history." These practices were embedded across local authorities, voluntary and faith-based institutions, and health and social care services, with the state bearing responsibility for funding and legitimising the systems that enabled them.
The Salvation Army ran mother and baby homes with the intention of caring for vulnerable women but we know that there were people in our care that we let down and for that we are profoundly sorry.
— A Salvation Army Spokesperson
In response to the Prime Minister's statement, The Salvation Army published its response on July 3, 2026, welcoming the announcement of additional support for affected mothers and children. The Christian charity, which ran mother and baby homes with the intention of caring for vulnerable women, acknowledged that some individuals in their care were let down.
A spokesperson for The Salvation Army expressed profound sorrow for these past failings and pledged to fully support efforts to provide a platform for the voices of those who fought to be heard. "We have a lot to learn from mothers and their children about the deep reaching impact of life in mother and baby homes," the spokesperson added, highlighting the organisation's commitment to understanding and learning from survivors' experiences.
The Prime Minister's Apology for Forced Adoptions
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP - Prime Minister (UK) — Official biography and role information for the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- PM Keir Starmer apologised on July 2, 2026, for the UK state's role in historic forced adoptions in England.
- Practices primarily occurred between 1949 and 1976, coercing vulnerable mothers.
- A £4 million support package was announced for affected individuals.
- Support includes access to adoption records, intermediary services, and peer-led groups.
We will fully support efforts to provide a platform for the voices of those who fought to be heard.
— A Salvation Army Spokesperson
The Prime Minister's apology specifically relates to practices primarily between 1949 and 1976, during which mothers were often coerced, bullied, or misled into giving up their children. Starmer stated, "On behalf of the whole country, I say it to every single person impacted: we are deeply and profoundly sorry." He acknowledged that these practices were embedded across local authorities, voluntary and faith-based institutions, and health and social care services, with the state bearing responsibility for funding and legitimising the systems that enabled these harmful actions.
To address the long-term impact of these practices, a £4 million support package was announced, to be delivered over the next three years. This package includes expanded access to funded intermediary services, particularly for pre-1976 cases where support is currently most limited. National virtual peer-led support groups for mothers and adopted adults will be established to provide ongoing, trauma-informed support. Furthermore, NHS England will work to ensure affected individuals are taken seriously when seeking help and will provide new support for clinicians to better understand the impact of forced adoption.
The Salvation Army's Role and Response
- The Salvation Army ran mother and baby homes with the intention of caring for vulnerable women.
- They acknowledge past failures and are "profoundly sorry" for letting people down.
- Pledged full support for efforts to platform the voices of survivors.
- Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill has also issued an apology.
The Salvation Army's statement on July 3, 2026, welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of additional support. The organisation acknowledged that while its intention was to care for vulnerable women, "there were people in our care that we let down and for that we are profoundly sorry." This sentiment was echoed by Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, who has also issued an apology for the traumatic experiences some individuals endured in their care.
The charity pledged to "fully support efforts to provide a platform for the voices of those who fought to be heard," recognising the importance of amplifying survivor testimonies. This commitment underscores The Salvation Army's dedication to learning from the experiences of mothers and their children and acknowledging the deep-reaching impact of life in mother and baby homes.
Support for Survivors of Forced Adoption
- A £4 million government package will be delivered over three years.
- Expanded access to funded intermediary services for adoption records is included.
- National virtual peer-led support groups will be established for mothers and adopted adults.
- NHS England will improve support for affected individuals and clinicians.
The £4 million government support package, to be delivered over three years, aims to provide tangible assistance to those affected by historic forced adoptions. Key components include expanded access to funded intermediary services, which will help individuals access their adoption records, and the establishment of national virtual peer-led support groups. These groups are designed to offer ongoing, trauma-informed support to both mothers and adopted adults. Additionally, NHS England is committed to ensuring that affected individuals are taken seriously when seeking help and will provide new support for clinicians to better understand and respond to the impact of forced adoption.
The Salvation Army originally published "Response to Prime Minister's statement on mother and baby homes". Eden is sharing it to help connect you with their ministry.
The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory - Statement: Historic adoption — Official statement from The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory regarding historic adoption practices and sympathy for those affected.