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Armed Forces: Asbestos

Asked by Jayne KirkhamLabour (Co-op)Ministry of DefenceTabled Answered 9 September 2025UIN 73876

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the level of compensation for service personnel who develop lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases as a result of exposure to asbestos to the same level as for those who develop mesothelioma.

Answered by Al Carns

Service personnel who develop lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases are able to claim compensation under the War Pension Scheme or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme which are subject to annual uplifts. The Department is currently reviewing the mesothelioma lump sum payment to ensure it remains fair and appropriate for those affected.

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