This Commons Library briefing explains why those in England and Wales with pleural plaques are not entitled to compensation whilst in Scotland and Northern Ireland those with the condition are able to claim damages.
Legal claims for pleural plaques (493 KB , PDF)
Pleural plaques are thickenings of the lining of the lung. They are caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres, most commonly in an occupational setting. Pleural plaques are benign and do not themselves lead to other asbestos-related diseases. However discovery of the plaques often results in much stress and anxiety given that they are evidence of the presence of asbestos fibres which may subsequently cause mesothelioma or asbestosis.
The occurrence of pleural plaques is no longer a compensatable condition in England and Wales. Previously those with plaques could claim damages for the condition and the anxiety caused by its discovery. However in 2007 the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords (now the Supreme Court) ruled that there is no cause of action under which damages may be claimed for pleural plaques. As the plaques cause no symptoms there is no damage – an essential element in any claim in negligence.
Whilst the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive legislated to ensure those in their jurisdictions with pleural plaques are not affected by the judgment, successive Governments in Westminster have declined to legislate to change the law in England and Wales. The Government has acknowledged an ‘apparent unfairness’ caused by the differing approaches in the UK’s different jurisdictions but confirmed that it will not change the law for those with pleural plaques in England and Wales.
Legal claims for pleural plaques (493 KB , PDF)
This paper provides an overview of the governance and dispute settlement provisions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The Agreement establishes a network of committees to oversee its implementation. There is also an arbitration mechanism for disputes between the UK and EU, but with exemptions and variations for different policy areas.
To support the self-employed through the coronavirus outbreak the Government has introduced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
The purchasing and administration of Covid-19 vaccines has been dominated by richer economies. In April 2020, the Covax initiative was established to ensure fair access to vaccines. This paper sets out how Covax works, the challenges it faces, and the contributions of the UK and other high-income economies to the global distribution of vaccines.
