Asbestos in workplaces
On Wednesday 19 April 2023, Jane Hunt MP led a Westminster Hall debate on asbestos in workplaces.
To inform her debate, she asked to hear from anyone with experience or insights related to asbestos – whether in workplaces or any other setting.
She thanked those who responded to the survey, and quoted several of their responses directly:
Read the debate transcript:
Watch the debate:
Note that the debate was interrupted by a division at 17:37:41, and resumed at 17:46:38. You can use the video progress bar to navigate through the debate.
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The Government's response
A minister for Work and Pensions, Mims Davies MP responded to the debate on behalf of the Government. She addressed the Government’s current policy agenda and future ambitions related to asbestos in workplaces.
Watch or read her full speech for details on a range of topics including:
- The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit which includes support for people with asbestos-related diseases
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s Asbestos and You campaign including its new focus on the duty to manage asbestos safely
- The HSE’s Science and Evidence Strategy
- The role of the HSE in carrying out inspections across the construction industry, schools and other organisations to manage the risk of asbestos
HSE inspectors to assess the management of asbestos in schools (e-Bulletin, 2022)
- Plans to raise the matter of teachers signing non-disclosure agreements related to asbestos in their workplaces with the Department for Education
- Discussion of current asbestos policy and the implications of creating a register of buildings containing asbestos
- Plans for the HSE to continue to review its retained EU law, which includes legislation on asbestos regulation.
For an overview of Government policy, see the following research briefing from the House of Commons Library:
Ahead of the debate, Jane Hunt MP gave the following statement:
"We know that asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with the Health and Safety Executive estimating that more than 5,000 people die from asbestos-related cancers each year*.
"Despite its use being banned in 1999**, I am very concerned that asbestos is still found in many buildings, including domestic and non-domestic premises.
"I, therefore, hope to use my debate to call for a timeframe for the safe removal of asbestos to be set, prioritising high risk settings such as schools and hospitals, and for a central register containing information on which buildings contain asbestos and in what condition it is in to be introduced.
"I would be grateful to hear from anyone who has been affected by exposure to asbestos, or who is concerned about having been exposed to asbestos, whether that be your own exposure or that of someone you know. I would also be interested to hear the perspectives of those with experience of working with asbestos-related issues."
*hse.gov.uk, 2022: Asbestos-related disease statistics, Great Britain
**UK Statutory Instruments: 1999 No.2372: The Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999
Your feedback
"I saw the survey on Mesothelioma UK’s Facebook page. I have always wanted to let as many people as possible know what happened to our dad and the very frightening truth about the problems asbestos exposure has caused and continues to cause.
"I was really pleased to hear my words spoken during the debate. I felt proud that I had been able to put my thoughts across well and that our dad would be proud of me for doing that.
"I have told my immediate family and they were also pleased and proud to hear what had happened.
"I think what happens on Parliament affects everybody in the UK, whether or not we realise that. It may take time for the impact of debates to be felt but we have to start somewhere and awareness is the first step.
"Thank you to Jane Hunt for raising this debate. I hope the push for change continues."
Jennifer pictured in a steam engine, where she and her sister placed their father's ashes in the fire as a tribute to his life and love of steam engines. Their father died from mesothelioma in December, 2021.
Jennifer pictured in a steam engine, where she and her sister placed their father's ashes in the fire as a tribute to his life and love of steam engines. Their father died from mesothelioma in December, 2021.
Parliamentary resources
House of Commons Library
Relevant research:
Work and Pensions Committee
Relevant inquires:
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Health support
How it works
How your contributions are shared
In these exercises, members of the public who have signed relevant petitions or are subscribed to parliamentary newsletters are invited to share their experiences and ideas.
These are passed on to the MP leading the debate, who may refer to them directly in their speeches.
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What happens next?
If you shared your email in the survey, we’ll send you an update after the debate with links to watch it, read the transcript, and information about the Government's response.
Lisa, Ian and Charlotte contributed to previous debates on topics like the menopause and pensions advice:
What is a Westminster Hall Debate?
Westminster Hall debates take place in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons.
They give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'. This means that Westminster debates don’t end in a vote on a particular action or decision.
How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.
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