In the early months of the Iraq war in 2003, around 88 British troops were deployed to the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant to provide round-the-clock security.
What the soldiers didn’t know was that while on duty, they were being exposed to a carcinogenic chemical used to maintain the pipes in the plant.
Ten ex-soldiers have now spoken out for the first time after suffering a range of health problems, including daily nosebleeds, a brain tumour and several diagnoses of cancer.
Today on the Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s Michael Drummond about his report into why the former troops are still seeking reparations, and to ex-RAF sergeant Andy Tosh who was exposed to the chemical and says his health has been permanently damaged.
Plus, we’ll get the latest from deputy political editor Sam Coates on the government’s new definition of ‘extremism’.
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I’m so angry about this. Our troops deserve better than this. They should be protected from these harmful chemicals.
This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The government needs to take responsibility and make sure that our troops are protected.
This is just another example of the government’s incompetence. They can’t even protect our own troops from harm.
I’m not surprised by this news. The government has a history of putting our troops in harm’s way.
I don’t understand why the government is allowing this to happen. It’s clear that these chemicals are dangerous, and they need to be banned.
Oh, the irony! We send our troops to fight for our freedom, and then we expose them to these toxic chemicals. It’s a sick joke.
I think it’s absolutely shocking that our troops have been exposed to these dangerous chemicals. The government needs to take responsibility and make sure that this never happens again.
It’s important to remember that these chemicals can have serious long-term health effects. We need to make sure that our troops are getting the support they need.
I hope that the government will take action to address this issue. Our troops deserve better.
This is a disgrace! Our troops deserve better than this. They should be protected from these harmful chemicals.