Anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy

Navendu Mishra MP, Rachel Hopkins MP and John McDonnell MP campaigning for justice for Bhopal.

Thirty-eight years ago, the world’s worst ever industrial disaster took place in Bhopal after a pesticide plant leaked highly toxic gas into the surrounding area. Despite the years that have passed, activists are still campaigning for justice.

Tragically, it is estimated that 10,000 people died in the first 72 hours of the leak, over half a million people were exposed to the gas and 25,000+ died as a result of gas exposure.

Today, organisations like Action for Bhopal are campaigning for:

• Proper compensation for the victims

• Environmental remediation

• Medical care & research 

Alongside colleagues, I’ve been working to raise awareness of the plight of the victims in Parliament. 

I recently tabled an Early Day Motion, supported by 40 MPs, calling for “those responsible to be brought to justice so that the victims who have been waiting 38 years for justice finally receive closure”. This can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/5fx9wxyh 

I also hosted a drop-in for MPs with volunteers from Action for Bhopal, where we spoke about the tragedy and what they could do to support the campaign for justice. 

Additionally, I secured a Westminster Hall debate, where MPs from across the political spectrum called on the Government to support efforts to clear up the site, provide world-leading medical support to the victims & make Dow Chemicals to face the Bhopal district court. My contribution can be read here: https://tinyurl.com/z7vmp6kr 

If you want to find out more about what you can do to support the campaign, please visit: actionforbhopal.org.