The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, The Rt Hon MP convened a group of
clinicians, leading-academics and veteran experts to interrogate
the evidence around Gulf War Illnesses and to explore options for
further work.
Experts from King’s College London, Newcastle University, the
Royal British Legion, Combat Stress and NHS England discussed the
existing and international body of evidence on Gulf War Illness,
and how this can best inform treatment for veterans with
service-related conditions.
The Minister sought advice on a number of specifics commonly
raised by campaign groups, including vaccines, chemical weapons,
and munitions. Based on a thorough review of the latest
data and evidence, the group concluded that the current available
research still does not yet identify a specific cause for Gulf
War Illnesses.
There was unanimous agreement that the most impactful way to
support Gulf War veterans with adverse health conditions is for
them to present to their GP to seek appropriate treatment for
their symptoms. It was noted that their GP could, if
appropriate, refer them onto further support, for example via Op
RESTORE or Op COURAGE, if they live in England.
The Minister confirmed that existing policy already entitles
those who are ill as a result of their service in the Gulf to be
eligible to apply for a War Pension.
The Minister gained agreement from the group to meet annually to
ensure that new evidence continues to be considered in the
future.
Experts present at the meeting:
- Antony Baines OBE - Executive Director of Services, Royal
British Legion
- Professor Peter Blain CBE - Emeritus Professor
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle
University
- Dr Anne Braidwood CBE - Medical Advisor to Chief of Defence
People
- Professor Neil Greenberg - Professor of Defence Mental
Health, King’s College London, Former Royal Naval Clinician
- Professor Edgar Jones - Professor in the History of Medicine
& Psychiatry, King’s College London,
- Dr Jonathan Leach OBE - NHS England Associate Medical
Director for Armed Forces Former Army Clinician
- Professor Dominic Murphy - Head of Research Combat Stress
- Professor Sir Simon Wessley - Co Director of the KCMHR and
formerly the Director of the PHE NIHR Health Protection Unit for
Emergency Response and Preparedness
