Local MP’s stand pleases Spodden Valley campaigners

Paul Rowen joined with MPs from other political parties yesterday to comment on a proposal for new Asbestos Regulations. 

Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin also made written representations and questions to Ministers on this subject.

In the adjournment debate in Westminster Hall, Paul Rowen spoke on behalf of asbestos victims from Rochdale and throughout the UK. He made damning references to how the truth about the dangers of asbestos had been covered up in the past.

He also accused today's insurance industry of a cynical attempt to avoid compensating asbestos victims. 

After watching the debate via the Parliament website, Jason Addy of SSV commented: 

“Whilst many of the matters discussed have no direct connection with the Save Spodden Valley campaign issue, what our local MP’s did yesterday was important. Keeping the Spodden Valley a nationally recognised issue in Parliament may help ensure a safe and permanent solution to the contamination for the former TBA site”.

“Paul Rowen’s contribution to an adjournment debate, tabled by a Labour Party MP, shows that asbestos concerns go beyond party politics”.

“Paul Rowen made reference to former Conservative Minister John Gummer who, in the 1980’s, despite significant lobbying from a then powerful asbestos industry, confirmed that there was no known safe limit for asbestos exposure. This has relevance for Conservative Shadow Cabinet ministers who have recently expressed concerns about building houses on potentially contaminated ‘brownfield’ sites”.

“SSV welcome our local MP’s continued work with other Parliamentarians, of all parties, to fight for Asbestos Victims' compensation and for T&N/Federal Mogul pensioners”.