That the Parliament recognises Action Mesothelioma Day 2025, which is on 4 July 2025; understands that mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, with tiny fibres getting into the lungs and damaging them over time; notes that the cancer most commonly occurs in the lining of the lung, but can also occur in the lining of the abdomen and the lining of the heart, with symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and tiredness; understands that there are around 2,700 new mesothelioma cases in the UK every year, including around 200 in Scotland; recognises that Action Mesothelioma Day is a national event to raise awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma, raise vital funds to support the research into tackling mesothelioma, and to remember and support those who have been affected by the disease; notes with concern what it sees as the time bar injustice for mesothelioma victims and welcomes the Scottish Law Commission report, Report on Damages for Personal Injury, published in December 2024, which recommends that “an asymptomatic condition such as pleural plaques will no longer result in a time bar preventing recovery of damages for a later-developing symptomatic condition such as mesothelioma”; applauds the long-standing and ongoing work of the Clydebank Asbestos Group, which has provided information and support to people with asbestos-related conditions for over 30 years; notes the calls for continued research into mesothelioma, and hopes for a successful Action Mesothelioma Day 2025.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Jackie Baillie, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Maggie Chapman, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Emma Harper, Clare Haughey, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Richard Leonard (Registered interest)
, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Mercedes Villalba, Elena Whitham