14th November 2007 - Linda speaks up against one of Yorkshire's biggest killers

You might never have heard of it, but Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is Britain's fifth biggest killer disease, and the second most common cause of emergency admission into hospital. Today, World COPD Day, Yorkshire Labour Euro-MP Linda McAvan has joined a campaign in the European Parliament to call for action.

COPD is the general terms used to describe a number of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, often caused by smoking or exposure to dust or pollution, and closely linked to social deprivation.

According to government statistics, one in five deaths in South Yorkshire is caused by respiratory disease. A British Lung Foundation report published today indicates that people living in Hull have the second highest risk of hospital admission with COPD in the country.

The Written Declaration signed today by Linda McAvan calls on EU governments to "raise awareness of the condition by promoting prevention and ensuring equal access to early diagnosis, correct treatments and mobility of COPD patients", calls on the EU to support further research into the conditions, and to implement comprehensive smoke-free policies.

Linda McAvan, Yorkshire MEP and Climate Change Spokesperson for the 200 MEPs in the Socialist Group, said:

"It is terrifying to think that COPD rates are so high in my own constituency, and rising around the world, and yet most people have never even heard of the condition. Today's British Lung Foundation report suggests that there may be 2.8 million people suffering with the disease in the UK today, who would benefit from early treatment, but who have not been diagnosed. There are some great facilities in the area now to help people with COPD, but there is still much work to be done."