There has been further debate regarding the introduction of legislation in the UK to overturn the House of Lords’ ruling in 2007, which held that sufferers of asbestos related pleural plaques are not entitled to claim compensation

A number of private members' Bills were introduced to the House of Commons in January, one of which called the Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) Bill, was debated recently. There was agreement by all parties to introduce the Bill, which would have the effect of overturning the previous House of Lords' disappointing ruling.

Although the Bill is a way off becoming law and can still be opposed by the Government, it will now move towards being examined by a committee of cross-party MPs, where amendments can be suggested.

Unfortunately, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has now called for a judicial review of the Scottish parliaments' introduction of legislation to overturn the current law for pleural plaques sufferers in Scotland. The move by the ABI has been described as "disgraceful" by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). The ABI has also indicated an intention to do the same in England should parliament introduce similar legislation.