Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with veterans who were guarding the Qarmat Ali water treatment in Iraq in 2003 on their exposure to sodium dichromate.

On 15 January I met with veterans who guarded the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant in Iraq in 2003. It was a positive meeting in which my priority was giving the veterans the space to be able to share their experiences and concerns.

I am committed to regularly engaging with veteran groups, and as a veteran myself, I would like to reassure you that the health and wellbeing of all our veterans is of the upmost importance. This Government is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve, who have served and their families.