Asbestos: Preventing Tomorrow’s Victims, Protecting Today’s Patients

15 April 2026 | House of Commons

The APPG on Occupational Safety and Health convened a well-attended meeting in the House of Commons to address the ongoing asbestos crisis, followed by a reception kindly sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors.

Parliamentarians in attendance included: Ian Lavery MP, Baroness Finlay, Lord Hendy KC, Warinder Juss MP, Ed Argar MP, Grahame Morris MP, Emma Lewell Buck MP, Mary Kelly Foy MP,  Kim Johnson MP, Lorraine Beavers MP, Paula Baker MP, Sarah Russell MP.

Warinder Juss MP opened and chaired the session, raising concerns about Britain's position as having one of the highest asbestos-related death rates globally. Cross-party support was evident, with several MPs backing calls for the establishment of a national Asbestos Taskforce. Thompsons Solicitors Head of Asbestos, Amanda Jones, reflected on over 30 years of representing victims, warning that asbestos exposure remains widespread and is affecting younger people. She stressed that the current approach of managing asbestos in situ is insufficient, advocating instead for a long-term strategy of phased eradication.

Liz Darlison of Mesothelioma UK highlighted improvements in patient support, including specialist nursing, research, and political advocacy. However, she noted that more than 50,000 people have died from asbestos-related diseases over recent decades. She called for stronger prevention measures, a standarisation in the role of the coroner, and improved training for healthcare professionals to support earlier diagnosis.

Professor Nicholas Maskell proposed the creation of a national asbestos register, beginning with government buildings, alongside a clear removal plan. He also raised concerns about unequal access to clinical trials for mesothelioma patients and comparatively low levels of research funding.

Michael Phillips, Chair of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Asbestos Committee, called for Britain to align with EU standards on asbestos measurement and regulation. He highlighted the prevalence of asbestos in schools, particularly those built between 1945 and 1980, and reiterated trade unions’ opposition to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) “management in situ” policy, advocating instead for phased removal. Phillips pointed to the rise in the rates of asbestos cancer among teachers, and that children are more at risk due to the long latency period of diseases. "At the current rate, it will take 350 years to remove all asbestos.. HSE's current policy is disastrous".

A powerful testimony was delivered by former firefighter Mike Harding, diagnosed with mesothelioma, who described occupational exposure due to inadequate PPE and the lack of knowledge given to firefighters about risk. He called for a national asbestos register accessible to emergency services, enabling firefighters to identify risks before attending incidents.

Jerry Hague of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum outlined its vital work supporting individuals and campaigning nationally. Jerry spoke about the work of the EMAST group, the Cape Must Pay campaign, and the 2023 Work and Pensions Select Committee report on asbestos management. Upon arrival, Ian Lavery MP, Group Chair, praised the victims groups and the Forum as a crucial link in supporting victims and driving change.

The meeting concluded with strong support for coordinated, national action. Attendees included representatives from across Britain, underlining the importance of continued collaboration between parliamentarians, campaigners, clinicians, and support organisations. From the floor, the meeting heard from Laurie Kazan Allen, who raised the issue of imports of children’s toys with potential asbestos contamination. Warnings have been issued about a number of products, but advice on disposal and returns has been poor - a number of workers remain at risk of exposure. Baroness Finlay suggested a Private Members' Bill is put in on one of the issues raised in the meeting, which Juss suggested the APPG look at taking forward. John Flanaghan pointed to the HSE budget being almost halved since 2010, enquiring whether the TUC and its asbestos group supported reinvestment in the regular - Michael Phillips confirmed that this was a position adopted by the TUC and its unions.

After the meeting, attendees enjoyed refreshments in the Thames Pavillion.