Madeleine Moon MP who last month joined the British Lung Foundation and other campaigners at the House of Commons to raise awareness of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma; has welcomed new proposals announced by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton this week, 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.

Madeleine Moon MP has said that “Mesothelioma is a dreadful disease that devastates lives. Currently too many people die before they get compensation. This is an awful injustice so I welcome the Government’s commitment to get legislation through Parliament ensuring everyone with mesothelioma can claim, irrespective of their employment history.”

Speaking at a mesothelioma summit in London, John Hutton said:

“No amount of money will ever make up for the suffering and loss to individuals and families caused by mesothelioma. But no-one should have to worry that they or their family will have to wait years before they see a penny of compensation especially as in many of these cases people do not have years to wait.

“This legislation would mean that once diagnosed, every sufferer should receive a substantial payment within six weeks of making a claim.”

ENDS