Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group
Pleural Plaques Campaign
Government Delays Pleural Plaques Decision Yet Again
On the last day in Parliament before the summer recess, Jack Straw, Justice Minister, said he 'wished to give further consideration to the issue of compensation', until after the recess. This is the fourth time a promised decision has failed to materialise and has led to disapointment and dismay. It is hoped that the recess will provide the opportunity to agree the demands of asbestos victims for a return to compensation.
On a more positive note, Jack Straw indicated that the government is actively considering measures to establish the UK as a leader of asbestos-related disease research and gave a committment to examine the failure to trace insurance records. Asbestos victims support groups have welcomed these announcements.
To see the forum press release click here.
Hundreds Lobby MPs to Over Rule Plaques Decision
On the 29th January, hundreds of pleural plaques sufferers, led by the GMB trade union, met with MPs to demand that Parliament over rules the Law Lords’ decision to end compensation for pleural plaques.
Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary, and Alan Ritchie, UCATT general secretary, told MPs that some branches of their unions had been decimated by asbestos disease. Their members who suffered from pleural plaques watched with dismay as their colleagues who also had pleural plaques developed the fatal cancer, mesothelioma. They lived in fear of suffering the same fate.
Dozens of MPs attended the lobby to give their support, including Minister Nick Brown MP, George Henderson MP, Mick Clapham MP. They are to arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister to urge a change in the law to remedy this latest injustice affecting asbestos victims.
To see the Pleural Plaques Consultation Paper . . . Click Here
