Baker blasted on ‘bids to weaken asbestos rules’
UNITE has accused Brexit Minister Steve Baker of trying to weaken asbestos laws while he was a backbencher.
The union said in October 2010, he asked the Government to “bring forward proposals to amend the provisions of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 to distinguish the white form of asbestos and the blue and brown forms”.
He also called for “an inquiry into the appropriateness of health and safety in force in respect of asbestos cement”.
Unite wants guarantees asbestos laws will not be watered down under Brexit.
Assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said it was “alarming an MP who holds such extreme views on asbestos has been given such a position”. She added: “The Prime Minister is more interested in appeasing hardline Brexiters than welfare of workers.”