On Monday 27th January 2025, members of Asbestos Victim Support Group Forum UK from across Britain came together in Parliament to meet with MPs and Lords to raise awareness of the asbestos issues still present in the UK.
Representatives from Clydebank Asbestos Group, Asbestos Support Central England (ASCE), Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Victims Support Group (SARAG), East Midlands Asbestos Support Team (EMAST), Readley Asbestos & Mesothelioma Support, Merseyside Asbestos Victim Support Group (MAVS) and London Asbestos Support Awareness Group (LASAG), as well as representatives from two teaching unions, NASUWT and the National Education Union, discussed their work with members about their work, campaign priorities, and how they can work together to support constituents.
The groups discussed the current issues which are affecting asbestos disease sufferers which require the immediate attention of the AVSGF UK.
1. Cape Must Pay campaign
The Forum is demanding that Cape/Altrad, one of the largest manufacturers of asbestos products in the world, pays a donation of £10 million to Asthma + Lung UK towards medical research to find a cure for Mesothelioma. Cape/Altrad’s products were used in many buildings, including shops, hospitals and schools.
There is due to be a public hearing on 24th March 2025 between 4pm and 6pm in the Wilson Room, Portcullis House.
2. Delays with the DWP paying benefits to asbestos disease sufferers
There are numerous delays in paying the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and the lump sum payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979. There has been a significant number of inexplicable rejections of applications for these
benefits which is causing extreme financial hardship to dying and extremely ill sufferers of asbestos disease and their families.
3. Removal of Asbestos from Public Buildings
We call for the removal of asbestos from schools, hospitals and public buildings.