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A cross-party group of MPs and peers has called on the UK Government to begin a national programme for the safe removal of asbestos from public buildings.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Occupational Safety and Health has published a report called The Legacy of Cape Plc and the Case for Justice . The report recommends that no further government contracts should be awarded to industrial services company Altrad, which owns Cape Plc – formerly one of Britain’s leading asbestos manufacturers.
The findings were published following a recent hearing attended by Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat representatives. The session included evidence from medical specialists, legal experts, victims’ campaigners and a former Cape director, revealing how the company concealed the dangers of its asbestos-based materials.
The United Kingdom continues to record some of the highest rates of asbestos-related cancer in the world, with many schools and hospitals still containing asbestos products.
Focusing on the legacy of Cape Plc, the report outlines how the company misled workers and the public by hiding vital health information about asbestos exposure. Documents disclosed after lengthy legal proceedings show that Cape deliberately withheld data that demonstrated the severe risks associated with its products.
Key recommendations from the APPG are:
The report supports the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK’s “Cape Must Pay” campaign, which seeks a £10 million contribution from Cape/Altrad towards research into asbestos-related diseases.
The APPG has confirmed that it will now write to government ministers to seek meetings and progress these proposals.
For organisations seeking advice or professional support, Global Environmental provides expert asbestos consultancy and survey services across the UK, helping clients manage the risks of asbestos safely and in full compliance with all legislation.
