EU vote is 'pivotal moment' in Thalidomide history

Survivors of the Thalidomide drug are awaiting the result of a vote taking place in the European Parliament today which could pave the way for their compensation claim against the German Government.

Thousands of babies were born with health problems and disabilities in the 1950s and 60s after their mothers took the drug, produced by a German pharmaceutical company, for morning sickness. Today it's estimated there are around 3,000 survivors left, with around 470 in Britain.

The European Parliament held a debate last night and will vote today on whether to back the survivors calls for the German Government to pay them compensation.

Guy Tweedy, who is from Harrogate, says this is a 'pivotal moment' in thalidomide historyl.