Mining Claims Solicitors criticised by Paddy Tipping MP

Paddy Tipping comments on the ongoing scandal of mining compensation claims in this article on the BBC website.

I feel we are lining the pockets of solicitors, lawyers, trade unions and professional advisors - they are doing well out of the scheme while men who are sick and old are still waiting for their money.

Malcolm Wicks, the energy minister was rather more ambiguous in his statement to the Commons

But the report equally suggests that in some cases, claimants appear to have been invited to agree to make such contributions without it being crystal clear to them that such donations were a matter for their choice and that other solicitors would not seek to make them.

I find it rather difficult to believe that retired miners with chronic illnesses would voluntarily make donations to solicitors' practices, so it is difficult to escape the conclusion that the solicitors worked these vulnerable people for every money they could get, even though they knew their clients would be losing money by using them rather than another more principled solicitor. Very professional.

So, good on Paddy Tipping for voicing his concerns.