The Supreme Court has ruled that the Scottish Parliament was within its rights to pass a new law restoring pleural plaques victims’ right to compensation after the House of Lords controversially decreed the condition was harmless. In reaching its decision the Supreme Court rejected insurance companies’ arguments that the new Scottish law breached their human rights. CAA welcomed the UK Supreme Court’s groundbreaking judgment as a victory for justice and democracy over insurers’ greed and self-interest.

Frank Maguire assisted many people, and his efforts are certainly recognised in his work on the Piper Alpha disaster, Hepatitis C and the numerous campaigns he became involved in to fight for Justice. However as most knew Frank Maguire’s real passion was in his continual fight for those with an asbestos condition. For these men and women he had the utmost respect and compassion.

The Northern Echo newspaper reported today that the UK government has quietly dropped plans to create a fund of last resort for asbestos sufferers.

All here at CAA would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Phyllis. Those of us who work closely with Phyllis, and see first hand how tirelessly she campaigns for those who suffer from asbestos related disease, know how richly deserved this recognition is.

Scottish compensation cases have been on hold since 2006 when insurers in England first challenged the right of pleural plaque sufferers to receive compensation. Although the House of Lords ruled in 2007 that compensation would no longer be payable in the UK, the Scottish Parliament introduced their own law to protect the right to compensation in Scotland.

The UK government is facing increasing pressure to assess the risk of asbestos in schools following a landmark legal victory for the family of a woman who died after “low-level” exposure as a secondary school pupil.