CELTIC LEAGUE: MOD PRESSED ON DU MUNITIONS USE IN CELTIC COUNTRIES

Rapport publié le 3/05/09 2:07 dans Environnement par Cathal Ó Luain pour Cathal Ó Luain

West Freugh MoD in Scotland (Photo: Russell Brown MP)

The Celtic League have asked the MOD if any air firing ranges around the Celtic countries have been used by US aircraft expending depleted uranium ammunition.

The League are aware that A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft of the 81 st TFW USAF based at RAF Bentwaters/RAF Woodbridge carried this type of munitions and were active on exercise over the ranges in the N. Irish sea.

The MOD have previously admitted that live firing of depleted uranium was undertaken at some ranges but the information released to date has been non specific.

«Secretary of State for Defence Rt Hon John Hutton MP Ministry of Defence Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB United Kingdom

25 Apr. 09

Dear Minister,

I write in relation to air bombing and gunnery ranges in the Celtic countries.

Could you advise if between 1980-1995 the USAF utilised ranges at West Freugh or Tain in Scotland, Jurby off the NW of the Isle of Man (now closed) or at Pembrey in Wales for exercises involving A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft?

If so in the course of any such exercise activity were depleted uranium munitions expended?

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt Director of Information»