Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Bhopal Gas Explosion Investigations — [Esther McVey in the Chair]

15 November 2022 · 7 other contributors · 9,131 words

Opened by Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport

Responding minister: Anne-Marie Trevelyan

ClimateForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Navendu Mishra raised concerns about bhopal gas explosion investigations — [esther mcvey in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the Bhopal Gas Explosion resulting in up to 10,000 deaths and chronic illness for 150,000 victims, with compensation deemed inadequate.
  • Specific asks include lobbying Dow Chemical for unpublished study findings, requesting meetings with executives on liability disparities, and investigating compensation disparities.
  • The UK government acknowledged the tragedy but reported no direct engagement since 2015, focusing instead on development projects in Madhya Pradesh.

Key requests to Government

I ask the government to lobby Dow Chemical Company to provide unpublished findings of all studies on the effect of methyl isocyanate on living systems, to request meetings with Dow executives regarding liability disparities between the USA and India, and to investigate why there was a disparity in treatment and compensation for Bhopali victims compared to American victims. Additionally, I urge the government to support environmental remediation efforts and provide political backing for high-level clean-up works.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport

I am concerned about the tragic industrial disaster in Bhopal, India, which occurred 38 years ago and resulted in up to 10,000 deaths within the first 72 hours, with over half a million people exposed to deadly gas. By 2002, Greenpeace reported that 150,000 victims were chronically ill, with one person dying every two days. Despite Union Carbide settling for $470 million, it resulted in only £380 being awarded per victim, equivalent to a measly and unjust 5p per day over 38 years.

Other contributors (7)
  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    She highlighted the catastrophic impact of the Bhopal gas disaster, noting that thousands died instantly and many more were injured or had their lives altered. She praised her colleague for his efforts to secure redress for survivors and bereaved families, mentioning the need for justice, environmental remediation, health services, and support from the UK Government.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Chris Law highlighted the Bhopal disaster as one of the deadliest workplace disasters, with nearly 4,000 killed instantly and over 16,000 dying subsequently. He cited continuing health issues affecting up to 600,000 people exposed to methyl isocyanate gas, including higher mortality rates for cancers and diseases. Law also criticised Dow Chemical's inaction on decontamination and compensation despite the Indian Government pushing for reopening compensation settlements.

  • Claudia Webbe SNP Westminster North

    Claudia Webbe expressed concern about the ongoing impact of the Bhopal gas explosion, highlighting that hundreds of thousands of people are still affected by health problems and disabilities. She mentioned 3,000 immediate deaths and over 20,000 additional fatalities since then due to toxic exposure from the plant. Webbe criticised the compensation paid out as inadequate, noting it was only £400 million in total five years after the disaster, which is insufficient for survivors' long-term needs. She also pointed out that Union Carbide (now Dow Chemicals) has not faced criminal charges and called for international intervention to ensure justice.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Mr. Jim Shannon emphasized the ongoing impact of the Bhopal gas explosion, stating that it is unacceptable for the site to remain uncleaned and continue poisoning residents. He noted Union Carbide's negligence and lack of responsibility in addressing the disaster's aftermath, highlighting the need for further investigations and accountability from Dow Chemical Company as the successor company. Shannon expressed disappointment at the lack of recent engagement with the Indian Government on this issue.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Mr. McDonnell described the Bhopal gas tragedy as an environmental crime, highlighting over 10,000 deaths and extensive health impacts on survivors and their children. He criticized Union Carbide's actions for prioritizing profit despite safety warnings, leading to social murder. He called for Dow Chemical, now owning Union Carbide, to take responsibility through compensation, remediation of the environment, and support for victims' medical care.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    Kim Johnson highlighted the ongoing suffering caused by the Bhopal gas tragedy, noting that thousands have died and hundreds of thousands continue to suffer from debilitating illnesses. She criticized the lack of accountability for those responsible and called for appropriate compensation for survivors, free healthcare provision by Indian governments, research into long-term health damage, living costs support, and environmental remediation by Union Carbide.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Tan Dhesi congratulated the hon. Friend for securing an important debate on the Bhopal gas disaster, which is history's worst industrial catastrophe with 25,000 deaths and approximately 120,000 to 150,000 chronically ill people.

Government Response

Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The Minister acknowledged the severity of the Bhopal gas tragedy and its long-term impacts. She noted that while Union Carbide provided a settlement of $470 million, many feel this is inadequate. The UK did not provide additional funding or direct support but worked on development projects in Madhya Pradesh benefiting those affected by the disaster. Since 2015, there has been no direct engagement between the FCDO and Indian governments regarding Bhopal. However, the UK continues to work with India through a comprehensive strategic partnership focusing on areas such as human trafficking, green investments, vaccine production, and net zero transition.

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