Insurers must end legal delays

The Supreme Court’s decision to reject insurance companies attempts to block compensation for people suffering from exposure to asbestos has been welcomed by SNP MSPs.

The SNP Government and Scottish Parliament passed legislation to allow compensation but court challenges from insurance companies have meant cases have been put on hold or sidelined while the insurance companies tried to overturn Scottish Parliament legislation.

SNP MSP for Anniesland Bill Kidd who will join campaigners from Clydeside Action for Asbestos at Holyrood to welcome the decision said: "This is a victory for justice and compassion. The delay those with Pleural Plaques have had to face while insurers dragged this case through the courts must now end.

"The SNP has always been clear that this legislation was the right thing to do.

"There are just over 1000 people waiting to take their case to the courts and to secure the compensation they are entitled to.

"I now hope the insurance companies and other defenders including the UK Government will end their legal arguments and allow those who built our nation and its industry in what we now know were dangerous conditions to receive the compensation they are entitled to."

Aberdeen South MSP Maureen Watt who is joining campaigners in the city today said: "This is a very welcome decision by the Supreme Court.

"The decision to ensure those with pleural plaques could receive compensation was a democratic decision of the Scottish Parliament and it is right that it is upheld.

"There must be no more legal wrangling. This has included the UK Government putting on hold compensation cases while the court made it's mind up. They and the insurers were able to use the courts to put an act of the Scottish Parliament on hold. That situation is unacceptable.

"It is time to let those who have pleural plaques make their case for compensation."

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan who supported the bill and worked with the campaigners added: "I welcome the announcement from the Supreme Court that the insurance companies case to overturn the Damages Act has failed.

"This decision is an important victory for common sense and I now hope those who suffer from pleural plaques can receive the justice they so rightfully deserve.

"Clydeside Action on Asbestos deserves tremendous credit for their efforts campaigning for justice for the many sufferers of asbestos related conditions in Scotland."