Des Turner MP

Des Turner, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, is backing a change in the law which would allow asbestos victims the right to claim for compensation. The Bill is getting its Third Reading in the House of Commons.

The change to the law would mean that people who have been negligently exposed to asbestos, most often through their work and have been diagnosed with pleural plaques, will be able to seek compensation through the courts.

Pleural plaques are small areas of scarring on the lungs which are benign, but are an indicator of exposure to asbestos. Although they do not cause or develop into a more serious asbestos-related condition, they can signify an increased risk of developing such a condition.

Des said:
"We now know just how dangerous asbestos is, but for many years it was used in a range of commercial products, and even in buildings, because of its resistance to heat. Many people who have been exposed to asbestos, usually through their work, have gone on to develop conditions because of that exposure. It’s time that people who are suffering from this condition have the right to claim compensation.”

As the law stands, a person cannot usually claim compensation for pleural plaques. The Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) Bill has been introduced as a Private Members’ Bill by Andrew Dismore, Labour MP, to treat certain asbestos related injuries as actionable personal injuries. This would allow those suffering from asbestos related pleural plaques and asbestosis to claim damages. The Bill covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
 
The campaign has been led by the TUC who have lobbied for a change in the law: www.unionstogether.org.uk/acallforjustice
 
For more information about Labour view:
www.brighton-hove-labour.org.uk