Meeting of the Parliament 25 June 2026 [Draft]
I welcome the opportunity to contribute to today’s debate, which marks action mesothelioma day 2026. I understand that it is a long-standing tradition to mark the date each year in the Scottish Parliament, so I thank Marie McNair for continuing the tradition and highlighting the issue, which she has truly made her own. I pay tribute to her long-standing dedication, commitment and leadership on this very important issue over many years.
As we have heard, action mesothelioma day provides us with an opportunity not only to raise awareness of the devastating disease but to renew our commitment to those who are living with its consequences and to the families who continue to suffer because of asbestos exposure. Around 2,700 people across the UK are diagnosed each year, including around 200 people in Scotland. I would like us to pause for a moment to reflect on that, and on the fact that, behind those figures, every one of those diagnoses is an individual, a family and a community whose lives have been changed for ever.
Last year’s action mesothelioma day debate highlighted that
“the face of mesothelioma is changing.”—[Official Report, 19 June 2025; c 31.]
While many people still associate asbestos-related disease with traditional heavy industries such as shipbuilding, construction and engineering, we are increasingly seeing cases among women, younger people and workers in occupations that were not historically considered high risk. Teachers, healthcare workers, clerical staff and others have developed mesothelioma following exposure that they neither expected nor understood at the time. That reality serves as a stark reminder that the legacy of asbestosis is far from over.
In that respect, I recognise the tremendous work of Action on Asbestos, formerly known as Clydebank Asbestos Group, which—as the name change suggests—is facing up to those new realities in the support, advice and advocacy that it continues to provide, and has been providing for more than three decades, for those who are affected by asbestos-related conditions. Its dedication has been invaluable to countless families, and it continues to be a powerful voice for justice and accountability.
I also pay tribute to the wider grass-roots campaigners who continue to fight for victims and their families. They include the Cape must pay campaign—which has been mentioned—that highlights the need for greater corporate responsibility and continues to call for meaningful investment in mesothelioma research. The campaign’s efforts demonstrate the importance of grass-roots activism in driving change and ensuring that those who are affected are not—are never—forgotten.
One issue that remains a significant concern is the injustice that has been created by the current time-bar arrangements affecting some mesothelioma victims. We have already heard a bit about that today. As was discussed in last year’s debate, there are circumstances in which individuals who have previously pursued claims relating to asymptomatic asbestos-related conditions may find themselves prevented from seeking further damages if they later develop mesothelioma, which is a terminal and life-threatening illness.
The Scottish Law Commission’s “Report on Damages for Personal Injury” recognised that problem and made clear recommendations to address it. I welcome that work, and the growing consensus that reform is needed to ensure that people are not denied justice because of a legal technicality. Should Marie McNair introduce legislation to address that issue, she will have my full support and, I would guess, the support of the entire Cabinet and Parliament. Those who are affected by mesothelioma deserve fairness, dignity and access to justice. We should work together across the Parliament to ensure that the law reflects those principles.
As action mesothelioma day approaches, on 3 July, I encourage people across Scotland to get involved in the events that are taking place in communities throughout the country, whether by participating in a blue-light walk, supporting fundraising efforts or simply helping to raise awareness. Everyone can play a part in supporting those who are affected and remembering those whom we have lost.
I once again thank Marie McNair for securing the debate, and I pay tribute to all those campaigners, organisations, families and individuals who continue to fight for justice.
Finally, I note that it is fitting that we are able to have such a constructive and consensual debate as we approach the end of the parliamentary term. I wish all my colleagues across the chamber, parliamentary staff and everyone who is watching the debate a great summer, and at least one more football match. I look forward to us all returning refreshed, revitalised and ready to rock.