Labour delighted after High Court overrules Government about Asbestos damages

Alison Seabeck, and Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, Luke Pollard, have expressed their delight that a High Court ruling has meant that the Government’s decision to deduct legal fees from the damages paid to sufferers of Mesothelioma will be overturned.

The decision to allow 25% of damages awarded to victims of asbestos to be used to pay legal costs was originally made by under fire Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling, following a Government review.

However the High Court ruled yesterday that this was unlawful and that mesothelioma sufferers should continue to remain exempt from laws that place responsibility of legal costs on the claimant rather than the losing party.

Alison Seabeck MP said: “I am really pleased to hear that the Government’s decision to charge mesothelioma sufferers for their legal fees has been overturned. Mesothelioma is a horrible disease and Plymouth is a hot spot because of naval heritage. Those affected should not have the burden of these legal costs and it is right that the losing party should cover the fees.

“The Government have been punished for their failure to undertake an adequate review into the serious impact that this would have on mesothelioma sufferers.”

Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, added: “Now that the High Court have ruled against the Government I hope they get on and give Plymouth mesothelioma sufferers the money they are owed not launch more costly legal action to overturn this sensible ruling. The Government has a legal and a moral duty to victims of asbestos and it is time they paid up not inflict more delay and costs on sufferers of mesothelioma in our city."pxl.store / Shutterstock.com

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