Forum Brief: Gulf War Syndrome

A delegation of US Congressmen visiting London are today hearing evidence from former servicemen and medical experts on Gulf War Syndrome.

Former presidential candidate Ross Perot said the government had an "enormous obligation" to investigate possible cases of the illness.

Forum Response: Royal British Legion

Terry English, director of welfare at the Royal British Legion, told ePolitix.com: "The Royal British Legion hopes the hearing will encourage the British government to act on its ongoing call for a full public enquiry into the causes of Gulf War-related illnesses and improvement of support for those affected.

"The Legion is very conscious that in the United States, a presidential commission was established very soon after the conclusion of the Gulf War, while so far the UK government has resisted our demands for a full public enquiry into issues raised by Gulf War illness.

"It is now 12 years since the Gulf conflict and yet we still have no answers to many of the important questions raised by the health problems of Gulf veterans. These questions now hang over our troops currently facing active service."

Forum Response: SSAFA Forces Help

A spokeswoman for SSAFA Forces Help told ePolitix.com: "SSAFA Forces Help is immensely sympathetic towards serving and ex-service men and women and their families in need, suffering or distress however caused and assists them wherever possible.

"With regards to Gulf War Syndrome, our approach is no different, but specifically in its branches supports the establishment of post traumatic stress disorder support groups which provide an informal environment in which members feel safe to discuss past experiences and present problems with complete frankness.

"They also provide an opportunity to inform, educate and support partners who also attend meetings and enable group members to re-establish the camaraderie they experienced in the services.

"The groups also make available, in an informal way, medical facilities, war pensions advice and financial help when necessary."