Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged the government to issue a formal apology for the UK’s historic forced adoption scandal, highlighting the suffering endured by thousands of unmarried women in state and church-run maternity homes.

Speaking exclusively to ITV News, Brown described the forced adoptions as a “terrible tragedy” and called for a statement in the House of Commons this autumn.

Between 1949 and 1976, it is estimated that around 250,000 unmarried mothers were sent to institutions, some run by the Salvation Army and linked to the Church of England, where many were pressured or forced to give up their babies for adoption. Survivors have shared accounts of harsh conditions, including denial of pain relief during labour and experiences of cruelty and shame.

Brown’s intervention comes after the discovery of nearly 70 unmarked infant graves at Hopedene Maternity Home in Newcastle, a facility operated by the Salvation Army.

The former prime minister said: “It’s time to make the apology for the forced adoption of children... who have been waiting for the assurance that the government understands what happened to them.”

Campaigners from the Movement for an Adoption Apology welcomed Brown’s call, stressing the urgency as many survivors are now elderly. Other nations including Australia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have already issued formal government apologies for similar practices, but England has yet to do so.

The Church of England told Premier: “It is sobering to hear accounts from mothers and their children affected by their experiences in maternity homes, including those with links to the Church.”

The Church expressed “heartfelt sorrow and regret,” and said work is ongoing to understand its role, adding that support is available through the independent Safe Spaces service.