WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY

Early day motion 695, tabled 4 February 2009 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 65 members.

That this House recognises that Workers' Memorial Day is an internationally recognised day, 28 April, on which workers and trades unionists conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to commemorate those who have died, been seriously injured, or made seriously ill by their work diseases; notes with regret that according to the UK Health and Safety Executive during 2007-08 2.1 million people were suffering from a long-standing or new case of illness they believed was caused or made worse by their current or past work, 229 workers were killed at work, that thousands of people died of mesothelioma and other occupational cancers and lung diseases, and that 299,000 reportable injuries at work occurred; reaffirms the right of all workers to work in a safe and healthy workplace; and calls on the Government to officially recognise Workers' Memorial Day as a day of national remembrance.

Signatures by party: Labour 53, Liberal Democrat 5, DUP 3, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.