Campagin Against Depleted Uranium

Current UK government position on DU

In a letter dated 21.12.99, to one of CADU's supporters, MP Peter Hain, of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated:-
"The use of depleted uranium is not prohibited under international humanitarian law. Depleted uranium ammunition is in service because of its unique ability to penetrate modern battle tank armour. It is not a nuclear weapon as it relies wholly on kinetic energy, like any projectile, not a nuclear reaction. Suggestions that exposure to depleted uranium ammunition causes health problems are not backed by scientific evidence. The Government would nonetheless, consider carefully any evidence which may emerge concerning incidence of ill health in Iraq. UK forces did not use depleted uranium during the conflict with Yugoslavia this year."

We've included this because it shows how deaf the government are being to the mounting clamour against depleted uranium. Their position, to the last word, has not changed - obviously coming from on high. Further, the fact that UK forces did not use DU may be true, but NATO forces did, and the UK is a part of NATO, and has to bear some responsibility for actions of NATO during conflicts.

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From CADU News 3: Winter 1999/2000

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Page last updated: 6th December 2002