Gazette readers need few reminders about the true nature of pleural plaques and how big an issue it is here in South Tyneside. As you know, I worked long and hard with fellow MPs, unions and solicitors for a fair deal for those with pleural plaques by overturning the ridiculous Law Lords ruling of 2007 which stopped compensation claims.

Our campaigning has achieved significant improvements for those people suffering from mesothelioma, the worst form of asbestosis. These improvements will make a huge difference in the future to anyone with pleural plaques if they subsequently develop mesothelioma.

 

Thousands of people with pleural plaques, including many in the North East, will also be compensated if they started a claim before the Law Lords ruling in 2007. About 6,000 people, including hundreds on South Tyneside will be entitled to one off lump sum payments of £5,000.

 

I am disappointed that the government didn’t reinstate compensation for all pleural plaques sufferers. I understand that government has to take into account wider considerations, not least given the economic crisis inflicted on us by irresponsible bankers.

 

Sadly, the medical evidence that convinced the Law Lords to stop the compensation that was previously paid was not successfully challenged despite a reference to the Chief Medical Officer. That allowed the employers and insurers to run away from their responsibilities to working people who have been exposed to a poisonous substance at work.

 

We will keep campaigning with the trade unions and asbestos campaigners to find other avenues to get the justice that these hard working people deserve. For instance, there are some grey areas and potential loopholes which we need to examine and exploit for the common good.

 

The government accepted the unique position of individuals who had already begun, but not resolved, a legal claim for compensation for pleural plaques at the time of the Law Lords’ ruling in October 2007.

 

We will now test what leeway this position allows. The courts could say that some diagnosed before 2007 but who didn’t get their claim in might still be eligible for compensation. They might have started by contacting a solicitor, for example.

 

We are also working with solicitors on new cases which could overturn the 2007 decision. New medical evidence, which has recently emerged indicates that pleural plaques may have physical symptoms such as shortness of breath.

 

We have made some important gains but the quest for justice for those with pleural plaques is very much still on the agenda.