Fréa Renewing Roots Review of the Year 2025: Philomena’s Law

Fréa Renewing Roots has been working in partnership with Irish in Britain, the London Irish Centre, and Coventry Irish Society to promote the passage of Philomena’s Law through Parliament.

The Bill, proposed by Liam Conlon MP in March 2025, would ensure that payments received under the Irish Government’s Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme are disregarded when calculating means-tested benefits in Britain.

Recipients of these payments are among the most vulnerable people in Britain as a result of their lived experiences. Under the current system, many are forced to make an impossible choice: to receive a payment that recognises the injustice of their incarceration and separation from family, or to continue receiving the means-tested benefits they rely on to live.

Liam Conlon MP has worked tirelessly and compassionately to represent the needs of people who were locked away for giving birth outside marriage, or for simply being born to unmarried mothers. The Bill has received widespread exposure through a Westminster Hall debate. In addition, Sean Kaluarachchi of the London Irish Centre and Rosa Gilbert of Irish in Britain spoke eloquently at a public briefing in Parliament shortly after the Bill’s introduction.

We were also delighted to receive the backing and support of Jane Libberton, campaigner for the rights of survivors and daughter of Philomena Lee, as well as Siobhán McSweeney, known for her roles in Derry Girls and The Traitors Ireland.

If you wish to support the passage of Philomena’s Law, you can help by writing to your local MP and asking them to support the Bill.

For more information, please see our Philomena’s Law blog.