The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is expected to issue a formal apology on behalf of the British state for its involvement in historical forced adoptions in England and Wales.

The announcement follows years of campaigning by mothers, adoptees and families affected by the practice, which was particularly widespread during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

During this period, an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers, many of whom were pressured or coerced into giving up their children due to social stigma and institutional attitudes towards single motherhood.

The apology comes after a parliamentary inquiry by the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), which concluded in March that government policies had contributed to an environment in which unmarried mothers were often shamed and encouraged to place their children for adoption.

The committee recommended that the government issue an urgent apology, improve access to adoption records, and provide greater support for individuals seeking to trace or reunite with their families.

However, it stopped short of recommending financial compensation, instead calling for a wider assessment of how other countries have addressed similar historical practices.Sir Keir Starmer is due to meet campaigners at Downing Street before addressing Parliament.

The issue has already seen apologies from devolved governments in Scotland and Wales, while Northern Ireland is expected to follow after its own inquiry concludes.The Church of England has also previously issued an apology for its role.

Testimonies from affected individuals describe deep emotional trauma, including mothers separated from their babies immediately after birth, and lifelong impacts on families.The apology marks a significant moment in acknowledging state responsibility for past adoption practices and their lasting consequences.