Cathy welcomes Asbestos Bill

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie has welcomed the passing of the Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill and paid tribute to the campaigners involved in the securing the change in law.

“This success has come after a long campaign, and I would like to congratulate the trade unions, campaign organisations and legal team who have represented the victims of asbestos exposure so passionately and persuasively. The Bill was passed overwhelmingly, and will defend the rights of those who have been recklessly exposed to asbestos in the workplace.

“After the House of Lords appeal decision barred those with pleural plaques from redress, I called for Scottish legislation to establish a right to damages for claimants in that situation. I am pleased that that has now been done.

“I’m sure that the insurance companies will look for other ways of denying people compensation for the genuine and irreversible injury that asbestos has caused, but this parliament has made its will clear, and I call upon them to respect the will of parliament, to respect the people who are struggling to cope with the devastating news that they have an asbestos related condition, and not to deny them the opportunity to claim money while they are still alive. Delayed diagnoses and legal wranglings have too often conspired to ensure that court cases last longer than people.”