News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

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23/08/2007 - MP to pay tribute to local veterans

Monday, 20th August 2007

Andy Burnham MP has today invited local veterans to attend a Veterans’ Ceremony on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

The ceremony to be held on Friday, 9th November 2007 follows an extremely successful inaugural event last year which was attended by over 200 local veterans.

The Leigh area MP has obtained the HM Armed Forces Veterans’ Lapel Badge for over 500 men and women who have served their country in HM Armed Forces prior to 31st December 1994.

The badge was launched in May 2004 with the intention that it would be made available to all First World War veterans and Second World War veterans, who, under the Heroes Return scheme, travelled back to the battlefronts they had fought on.

As the badge was so popular, eligibility was quickly extended to include all Second World War veterans and those who served at any time up to 31 December 1984.

As we commemorate the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedom the Veterans Badge is being extended further to all those who served in our armed forces at any time up to 31 December 1994. For the first time veterans of the first Gulf Conflict will now be eligible.

Andy said:

“I am committed to supporting and recognising our veterans. Extending eligibility for this popular badge is part of our commitment to those who fought for our country so I am very pleased that the badge can now be obtained by veterans who served prior to 1994."

23/08/2007 - Burnham secures service medal for ambulance staff

Thursday, 9th August 2007

Leigh area MP Andy Burnham has welcomed the introduction of a new medal to honour NHS ambulance workers in the run up to the 70th anniversary of the 999 service. The Leigh area MP pushed hard to obtain recognition for the men and women of the UK’s ambulance service when he was Health Minister.

The Queen's Ambulance Service Medal will reward ambulance staff who have made an outstanding contribution to the national or local development of the ambulance service or who have demonstrated commitment beyond the call of duty when dealing with major, large, serious or dangerous operational incidents which make exceptional and sustained demands upon ambulance service personnel. The new honour will be bestowed by the Queen and will be similar to the Queen's Police and Fire Service Medals that already exist.

Andy Burnham MP said:

“It didn’t seem right that bravery and outstanding service from other emergency services professionals could be recognised but not ambulance staff. That’s why I pushed hard to deliver on my promise when I was Health Minister and was delighted to learn that the Queen gave her consent to my proposals to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the 999 service.

"I have work shadowed ambulance staff and witnessed the dedication they put into saving lives and supporting people when they are at their most vulnerable. It's an incredibly challenging job and due to the dedication and professionalism of ambulance staff, we have one of the best ambulance services in the world.

"Ambulance staff provide a lifeline to people in their moment of need and they face the challenges and dangers of responding to 999 calls. This honour will rightly ensure that members of the service who make significant contributions to this key public service are recognised and it's fantastic news for the service.

"This medal will be recognition of what the whole country feels towards the ambulance service and the remarkable contribution they make.”

23/08/2007 - MP Secures Pit Cash Breakthrough

Friday, 17th August 2007

MP Secures Pit Cash Breakthrough

Andy Burnham MP has secured a major breakthrough in the fight to obtain compensation for former miners and their families.

Many miners suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) such as Bronchitis, Emphysema and Asthma as well as Vibration White Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which collectively are known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Andy Burnham has campaigned tirelessly over the past few years to ensure that the brave miners from the Leigh area received their compensation and where the miner had sadly died, their families.

Andy Burnham MP said:

“The contribution to the country came at a severe cost to the health of many miners who suffered with respiratory and other health problems. I am pleased that over £24million has now been paid to former miners in the Leigh area.”

However, Andy has slammed those solicitors holding back compensation cash from miners and has now secured a major breakthrough with the news that the Law Society has agreed to pay out in full compensation withheld, where a complaint is upheld.

A large number of complaints have been received by the Legal Complaints Service in respect of Raleys Solicitors. This decision will now allow complaints to be looked into and if it is considered that Raleys should pay compensation, the Law Society will pay out and then recover it from Raleys.

Law firms involved in the national £7.5bn compensation scheme received a fixed fee from the Department of Trade and Industry for cases settled. But many also sliced money off compensation by charging a success fee.

Andy added:

“There was no need for solicitors or any other claims handling organisation to charge miners a fee or deduct any fee from compensation payments.

“The government ensured that solicitors received a fixed fee for cases settled.”

The Leigh area MP is already handling a large number of cases on behalf of former miners and their families, but is concerned that there are many more entitled to compensation who have yet to receive a penny.

Andy said:

“I want every existing claim to be settled quickly. I am already dealing with dozens of outstanding cases but I remain convinced there are many, many more miners who are entitled to payouts who have yet to receive them.

“I know that many miners and their families have been frustrated by the delays but I want to see every payment owing to be paid out quickly.

"If you are a former miner and believe you may be entitled to compensation then please contact my office on 01942 682353 and I will be happy to assist in securing payments.”