MP takes up fight for asbestos-related illness victims

A politician is fighting on behalf of people who have been affected by the asbestos-related illness pleural plaques.

Rachel Reeves, who is the new Leeds West MP, demanded to know whether the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition, which was formed in the wake of last month's election, will honour the promises made by its Labour predecessor.

She is putting pressure on the government to back commitments made to an employers' Liability Insurance Bureau, which would provide money to victims who are unable to trace their former employer's insurers.

Ms Reeves remarked: "There is a real concern that the coalition will use the country's financial deficit as an excuse to unfairly target working people."

This may have a particularly harmful effect on individuals who have been left dealing with the impact of their exposure to asbestos, she added.

Pleural plaques is one of a number of conditions associated with exposure to asbestos fibres and it is a form of scarring of the outer lining of the lungs.

Posted by Patrick White