BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt delivered a heartbreaking segment during the latest live broadcast, as guests broke down in tears over the government's apology for historical forced adoptions.
Emotional Segment on BBC Breakfast
Returning to the Salford studio on Thursday, June 18, Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt presented the biggest headlines from across the UK and around the world. Later in the show, they reported on forced adoptions, with the government set to apologise to victims following years of campaigning from mothers and adoptees.
An estimated 185,000 babies were taken from mothers in the three decades after World War Two. Thousands of mothers were pressured into giving up their babies for adoption because they were unmarried.
Naga said: "Victims of historical forced adoptions in England will receive a full apology from the government." Charlie added: "It's thought that around 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried women in the years after the Second World War."
Heartbreaking Stories from Victims
In a pre-recorded clip, reporter Duncan Kennedy explained: "Stories infused with heartache, losses ingrained for a lifetime. For five years, birth mothers and adoptees have told us of their pain of forced separation."
Duncan spoke to Yvonne Labrum, who became emotional as she reflected on being forced to give up her baby. Another mother, Heather Brumley, said: "We all make mistakes. We shouldn't have to pay for them for the rest of our lives."
The BBC's coverage led to a parliamentary inquiry led by Baroness Harman. When her report came out, Duncan was with some of the birth mothers. They instantly broke down in tears as the reporter read out the official apology after their "lasting suffering."
Duncan went on to say: "We revealed post-war documents showing the state's involvement in forced adoptions. This one read, 'She is forced to part from the baby, whether she wishes it or not.'"
Another mother from Glasgow, Elspeth, was also left in tears after the "horrible" experiences she endured, as well as Andy, a birth father from Wales.
Duncan continued: "Post-war adoptions were depicted as wholly positive, but the truth was very different." Jan Shine, an adoptee, said: "I'm angry for the system allowing me to be given to those people."
Judy Baker, another mother who fell victim to forced adoption, was also left in tears as she said: "I loved [my daughter] so much, I still love her. I'm her mum."
Duncan concluded: "Each story arcing its sadness out of the past. Forced adoptions, an infinite agony."
BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
