GULF WAR SICKNESS

Early day motion 1399, tabled 10 June 2002 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 66 members.

That this House congratulates former solider and Kingston-upon-Hull North constituent Mr Shaun Rusling and the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association on their victory in achieving recognition of the existence of Gulf War Syndrome; pays tribute to Mr Rusling who has fought resolutely through thick and thin and ultimately succeeded against formidable odds in the form of the Army and the Ministry of Defence establishment that refused his just claim and continued to resist his argument for nine years; regrets that Mr Rusling was eventually forced to take action under data protection legislation to gain access to his own files; is disturbed to learn that the terms of his claim were fraudulently altered by officials of the War Pensions Agency and is shocked to discover that the Secretary of State subsequently stood by their action; takes this opportunity to express sincere regret at the pain and suffering endured by Mr Rusling; shares his deep sorrow that while government lawyers delayed, more than 500 veterans suffering from this terrible condition have taken their own lives; and urges the Government to admit that errors have been made and take immediate steps to recognise and respect the needs of up to 5,000 Gulf War sickness victims.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 17, Scottish National Party 3, DUP 2, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.