MP praises thalidomide compensation campaigner
A politician has spoken out in praise of one individual who campaigned for additional compensation to be paid to the victims of thalidomide.
Liverpool MP Louise Ellman said Gary Skyner played a significant role in getting the government to agree to pay out an extra £20 million, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Mr Skyner went on hunger strike to show his commitment to the cause.
Recently, the Labour administration revealed it is to pay a grant over a period of three years to the Thalidomide Trust.
Responding to the development, Ms Ellman remarked: "I think [Mr Skyner] has played a very important part in this. His hunger strike drew attention to the determination of the campaigners."
The Thalidomide Trust aims to provide relief and assistance to individuals born in the UK who were damaged because their mothers had taken the drug during their pregnancies.
Currently, it is supporting 466 people aged between 44 and 50 years old.
