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Bhopal Gas Explosion Investigations — [Esther McVey in the Chair]
15 November 2022
Lead MP
Navendu Mishra
Stockport
Lab
Responding Minister
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementClimateForeign Affairs
Word Count: 9131
Other Contributors: 7
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 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I ask the government to lobby Dow Chemical Company to provide unpublished findings of all studies on the effect of methyl isocyanate on living systems, to request meetings with Dow executives regarding liability disparities between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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.