Asbestos - 9th Jul, 2007

Sian joins Union leaders from Swansea to win compensation for workers affected by asbestos-related illnesses.

Sian James MP said:-

"I was delighted to join Martin Caton MP's campaign to win compensation for workers affected by an asbestos-related illness to Parliament.

"We joined Brian Legg, who is president of Swansea's GMB branch, has lobbied MPs in a bid to win compensation for members affected by pleural plaques.

It comes as the House of Lords hears the case of four claimants appealing to overturn last year's Court of Appeal ruling that denies pleural plaques sufferers the right to compensation.

Mr Legg, who suffers from the condition, used his visit to raise awareness of the issue among MPs in case the House of Lords ruling again goes against workers campaigning for compensation.

Mrs James added: "I am supportive of this group and will help them in their fight for justice. It is important that other people, who are suffering from this condition, to get in touch with their MP.

"I have signed up to the Early Day Motion hightlighting this issue. It states:-

"That this House recognises that pleural plaques from asbestos exposure and penetration of the lungs by asbestos fibres cause breathlessness and pain but that diagnosis often also causes distress and anxiety in patients and their families, who are aware that a proportion of these cases go on to develop more serious asbestos related diseases; and believes, therefore, that people suffering from these conditions should be eligible for appropriate compensation."