Proposals have been put forward by MP's to remove asbestos from all rented homes, businesses and public buildings by 2035.

A new asbestos eradication law is being called for by the Parliamentary Group on Occupational Health and Safety.

In its report, the all-party group suggests a national programme of asbestos surveys should be carried out in properties built before 2000 by 2022.

In buildings containing asbestos, under the new measures owners would be required to remove the material when carrying out refurbishments or repair work.

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In addition, landlords will be required to lay out plans to remove asbestos from their buildings before the 2035 deadline, while a 2028 deadline has been set for public buildings and educational institutions.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities are now being encouraged to create a timetable for asbestos removal in workplaces across the country.

Homeowners would have to pass on information about the presence of the material to any contractors working on the property.

Brian Rye, national secretary of UCATT, said: "This report demonstrates that new regulations are urgently needed in order to ensure that construction workers undertaking maintenance and refurbishment work are properly protected.

"Workers should not be expected to play Russian roulette with their health."

(LM/CD)