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Video: UK’s use of depleted uranium weapons in Iraq

VIDEO
Reports emerge the UK used depleted uranium weapons in Iraq – RT Top Stories RT  Top Stories, 24 July, 2010, 00:41Reports have emerged that the UK used depleted uranium weapons during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. A UK defense official has reportedly admitted using highly controversial ammunition.
“UK forces used about 1.9 metric tons of depleted uranium ammunition in the Iraq war in 2003,” UK Defense Secretary Liam Fox said in a written reply to the House of Commons Thursday, Iranian Press TV reported, citing the Kuwait News Agency.
It is alleged that a joint inquiry by Iraq’s environment, health and science ministries uncovered more than 40 sites across the war-torn country contaminated with high levels of radiation.

The use of uranium ammunition is widely controversial because of potential long-term health effects. The US and UK have allegedly used up to 2,000 tons of such ammunition during the war.

British Labor Party MP Paul Flynn says the depleted uranium still causes serious health problems.

“We know that in the first Iraq war depleted uranium was used in shells. It’s very likely it was used again,” Flynn said. “It’s used as ballast because of its density in shells. It’s not as radioactive as it might be, it’s uranium 238 where the gamma-radiation has been reduced and it’s not the weapon of mass destruction, but sadly it’s a weapon of eternal destruction because it turns into dust and gets into the water supply, into the air and it can of course give children cancer, it can cause birth defects.”

Iraq’s Ministry for Human Rights is expected to file a lawsuit against Britain and the US over their use of depleted uranium bombs in Iraq and will seek compensation for the victims of these weapons. Reports emerge the UK used depleted uranium weapons in Iraq – RT Top Stories

July 24, 2010 - Posted by Christina MacPherson | depleted uranium, Resources -audiovicual, UK, Uranium | cancer, depleted, nuclear, nuclear costs, nuclear weapons, uranium