Commenting on today’s ruling by the Supreme Court that the Scottish Parliament acted within its powers in passing the Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009 that made pleural plaques compensatable in Scotland, Nick Starling, ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health said:

“Insurers remain fully committed to continuing to pay compensation to people with asbestos-related conditions, such as mesothelioma.

“The insurers brought this case because they believe that The Damages Act is fundamentally flawed in that it ignores overwhelming medical evidence that pleural plaques are symptomless, and the well-established legal principle that compensation is payable only when there is physical harm. We are very disappointed that the Court has not found in our favour on this important principle of law.

“Insurers will now consider carefully this judgment and what it means for them.”.

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Notes

Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to:
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Linsey White 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07885 998 011)
Sarah Bailey 020 7216 7514

2. The ABI is the voice of the UK’s insurance, investment and long-term savings industry. It has over 300 members, which together account for around 90% of premiums in the UK domestic market.
The ABI’s role is to:
- Be the voice of the UK insurance industry, leading debate and speaking up for insurers.
- Represent the UK insurance industry to government, regulators and policy makers in the UK, EU and internationally, driving effective public policy and regulation.
- Advocate high standards of customer service within the industry and provide useful information to the public about insurance.
- Promote the benefits of insurance to the government, regulators, policy makers and the public.

The UK insurance industry is the third largest in the world and the largest in Europe. It is a vital part of the UK economy, managing investments amounting to 24% of the UK’s net worth and contributing the fourth highest corporation tax of any sector. Employing over 275,000 people in the UK alone, the insurance industry is also one of this country’s major exporters, with a fifth of its net premium income coming from overseas business.
Insurance and businesses protect themselves against the everyday risks they face, enabling people to own their own homes, travel overseas, provide for a financially secure future and run businesses. Insurance underpins a healthy and prosperous society, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive, safe in the knowledge that problems can be handled and risks carefully managed. Every day, our members pay out £155 million in benefits to pensioners and long-term savers as well as £58 million in general insurance claims.

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