Bridget and the Lib Dems back justice for Equitable Life policy holders (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Bridget and the Lib Dems back justice for Equitable Life policy holders

October 21, 2009 7:35 PM

Vince Cable and Bridget Fox want justice for Equitable Life victims

Liberal Democrat MPs used part of their Opposition Day today to debate the Government paying compensation to Equitable Life policyholders.

The Opposition Day motion is based on an Early Day Motion (EDM 1423) tabled by Vince Cable and the Liberal Democrats, which so far has the signatures of 335 MPs from all parties, including more than 250 Labour and Conservative MPs.

The EDM reads:

That this House notes the Parliamentary Ombudsman has taken the unusual step of using powers under the 1967 Act to present Parliament with a further and final report on Equitable Life; also notes that the Public Administration Select Committee's second report on Equitable Life, Justice denied? concluded that the Government response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report was inadequate as a remedy for injustice; recognises the vital role the Ombudsman plays in public life; reaffirms the duty of Parliament to support the office of the Ombudsman; believes the Government should accept the recommendations of the Ombudsman on compensating policyholders who have suffered loss; welcomes the formation of the All-Party Group on Justice for Equitable Life Policyholders; and notes with regret its necessary formation and the fact that over 30,000 people have already died waiting for a just resolution to this saga.

While Islington North Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn has signed the EDM, Islington South & Finsbury MP Emily Thornberry has so far failed to do so.

Bridget Fox, Islington South & Finsbury's Lib Dem shadow MP, has pledged her support to the victims of the Equitable Life scandal.

Bridget says, "At a time when the Government is willing to spend billions on bailing out bankers or a temporary VAT cut, it's unacceptable that they can't or won't get on with proper compensation for the Equitable Life policy holders.

"In the latest of many inquiries, the Parliamentary Ombudsman made it clear that the Government must fund an independent and transparent compensation scheme, and quickly. Too many policy holders have already died while the Government dithers and delays.

"Unlike Emily Thornberry, I fully support the case of Equitable Life policyholders for compensation. This injustice should have been put right long ago."