MP argues for more compensation for asbestos victims

Simon Danczuk, Rochdale MP

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk spoke on Tuesday in a debate on the Mesothelioma Bill to argue for greater compensation for victims of asbestos-related diseases.

Mr Danczuk welcomed the fact the Bill had come forward, but argued that MPs had to take the opportunity to get a fairer deal for victims.

The Bill was aimed at Mesothelioma victims who were unable to get compensation from employers, it works through a levy on the insurance industry.

Mr Danczuk argued that there were a number of problems with the Bill, including the limitation of help to Mesothelioma rather than all asbestos-related diseases, the late qualifying date and the fact that victims were only eligible to 75% of the compensation they are owed.

He called the 75% limit ‘insulting’ and made a strong case for 100% compensation.

Despite his arguments, and those of his Labour colleagues, the government failed to amend the Bill.

Following the vote Mr Danczuk said: “I am disappointed that an important opportunity to get a fairer deal for asbestos victims has been squandered by the Government. This Bill is better than nothing, but it is a far cry from the level of compensation that these families deserve.”