PM meets Spodden Valley campaigner

The Prime Minister expressed his personal concerns about asbestos-related disease

The Prime Minister revealed how he has lost personal friends to asbestos related diseases, in a poignant meeting with a Save Spodden Valley campaigner.

Jason Addy sat down with Gordon Brown at Westminster on Wednesday (6 May) to discuss the Turner & Newall site, and his battle to save it from a development of 600 homes and a children’s nursery.

Also present was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools and Learning, Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Jason described the “top level” meeting.

“It was exceedingly positive.

"The Prime Minister asked many questions relating to the Spodden Valley and we also discussed wider asbestos related issues.

“These included a need for a panel of experts to study the issue of low level yet significant exposure to asbestos in buildings and contaminated land.

“We also spoke about a key UK campaigning issue regarding the need for a National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease.

“The message of prevention of exposure to asbestos and medical research appeared to be well received”.

“I was particularly touched by the concern the Prime Minister had for the plight of asbestos victims and his knowledge of current asbestos issues.

Mr. Addy continued: “Mr. Brown explained how many of his own constituents in Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath had succumbed to asbestos disease and that he had lost close friends to the asbestos cancer mesothelioma”.

“Next week, on the 5th anniversary of the Save Spodden Valley campaign, we will be back at Westminster to attend the All Party Parliamentary Asbestos Conference”.

“Our campaigning continues. We must ensure that victims of asbestos disease are respected and the poisonous legacy caused by asbestos is acknowledged and acted upon”.

“It is very welcome news that the Prime Minister has taken a personal interest in the Save Spodden Valley campaign to ensure future generations of Rochdale people are kept permanently safe from cancerous contamination”.