British soldiers ‘exposed’ to toxic chemicals in Iraq must get answers, Labor says

British soldiers who were “exposed” to toxic chemicals during the Iraq war must get answers, Labor says.

Sky News investigation Exposed health problems including cancer Among RAF soldiers guarding the Kalmat Ali water treatment plant, which was contaminated with sodium dichromate, a deadly toxin.

Many of them have spoken out about feeling “betrayed” by the British government.

this Ministry of Defense (MoD) has expressed a willingness to meet with veterans, many of whom have called for a public inquiry into who knew what and when.

Labour’s shadow defense secretary John Healey reacted to the incident by calling on the Ministry of Defense to deliver on its proposals.

He said: “Labour is proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. Their service is the ultimate public service – their professionalism is respected around the world.

“I am pleased that the Ministry of Defense has expressed its willingness to meet with these veterans and ministers must now make this happen. The Ministry of Defense should work in good faith to ensure these veterans get answers to their important questions.”

Labor said it wanted to meet with Kalmat Ali veterans to better understand their situation.

Sodium dichromate, an orange powder used to prevent pipe corrosion, is a form of hexavalent chromium and a known carcinogen.

Around 100 British soldiers may have been exposed to the chemical at Qarmat Ali. Of the 10 veterans interviewed by Sky News, three said they had received treatment for cancer, another had been treated for a brain tumor and others had been treated for nosebleeds and rashes.

Conservative MP Jeremy Quinn, chairman of the influential defense select committee, also responded to Sky News’ exclusive report.

He said: “The stories of these veterans are very difficult to read.

“These service members deserve answers, and providing meetings is an important first step in the right direction.”

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It comes after former chief of the general staff Lord Dannatt called for a “proper investigation” into what happened.

He told Sky News: “If the health of some of these service members is affected then I would imagine at least medical support is needed, if not compensation.”

An MoD spokesman said: “We value the service of our people and have health and safety policies in place across all operations to reduce risk.

“As soon as we were alerted to the possible presence of sodium dichromate, we immediately carried out an environmental investigation to assess typical exposures at Qarmat Ali. The results showed that the concentrations at the time were significantly below UK government guidance levels.

“Anyone who needs medical treatment can access it through the Defense Medical Service and other appropriate services.

“Veterans who believe they have ill health as a result of their service may apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pensions Scheme.”