Today the families of people who developed CJD lost a high court battle to change what they described as a flawed compensation scheme.

The battle was led by Annie McVey, whose daughter died from the human form of BSE.

The Judge Mr Justice Silber advised that although he had sympathy for the families of the 168 people who died since 1995 and the four survivors, he had to dismiss the claim.

It was argued in court that the government had failed as they did not simplify the complex scheme.  Originally the scheme made provisions for the government to set aside £67.5 million in compensation for the first 250 victims. This was to be made up of no-fault lump sums and discretionary amounts for care.

Although Annie McVey’s case has been settled, her fight was to make the process of claiming compensation easier for families.  However the judge said that he was unable to conclude that the earlier decision to reject the proposals was irrational or unlawful.  As a result no changes will be made to the compensation scheme.