MP welcomes new help for mesothelioma sufferers

John Battle MP (Lab, Leeds West) today welcomed new proposals announced by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton today, to provide faster compensation to all people diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Currently only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state. The new proposals would provide up-front financial support (within six weeks) to people who were previously not eligible, including those who were:

exposed to asbestos from a relative (e.g. from their overalls);

exposed to asbestos environmentally (e.g. lived near a factory using asbestos);

self-employed; and

those who can’t trace their exposure to asbestos.

Mr Battle said: “It is very good news that the government has committed today to speed up compensation for sufferers of mesothelioma. In Armley in my constituency I have campaigned for compensation for over 20 years, while corporate gamesmanship has resulted in many people being left with practically nothing but suffering the terrible affects of this disease.” 

He added: “People are still dying as a result of living near JW Roberts' factory in Armley. Currently too many people die before they get compensation, or they find they aren’t eligible because they contracted the disease from living near the factory or being exposed to a relative who worked there, rather than working at the factory themselves.

“That is an awful injustice, so I welcome the government’s commitment to get legislation through Parliament so everyone with mesothelioma can claim, irrespective of their employment history.”

John Battle MP 13 March 2007