Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, has welcomed news that Total UK has withdrawn its defence at the trial to settle liability. Total UK had been disputing liability for damage caused beyond a radius of 451 metres from the depot’s pump pad area.
Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, said:
“It is absolutely fantastic news that natural justice has prevailed. The ludicrous defence put forward by the oil companies has been withdrawn. The only sad part is that it is nearly three years since my constituents had their lives devastated and they have received no interim payments whatsoever because the oil companies were disputing the case.
“My constituents have had their lives and businesses put on hold for three years, through no fault of their own. They deserve to have been treated better. I urge the oil companies to settle the outstanding claims as soon as possible.”
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