The Supreme Court decision to uphold the Scottish Parliament’s right to pass legislation to reinstate the right to compensation for pleural plaques disease puts Lord Freud, DWP Minister, under the spotlight.
In recognition of the failure of so many asbestos victims who suffer serious illnesses to get compensation because they cannot trace insurance policies the previous government promised to address this problem when the Law Lords ended compensation for pleural plaques.
A Labour Government consultation on a proposal to set up an insurance fund of last resort to provide cover for asbestos victims who could not trace their insurers closed in May 2010. Lord Freud has still not responded to the consultation and hundreds of asbestos victims are dying without compensation.
Tony Whitston, Forum Chair says: “The insurance industry routinely destroyed insurance policies long after it was known that asbestos disease could take decades to develop. They have escaped liability for insurance they were paid for and have saved hundreds of £millions. It seemed fair that asbestos victims should be treated no differently than injured motorists who are paid from a fund if an insurance policy cannot be traced. This view was strengthened when insurers’ liability for plaques was removed. It is time that this injustice is remedied, especially now when pleural plaques sufferers outside Scotland are further disadvantaged.”
