PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As of midnight May 1st 2004 Mr Alex Izett a former
soldier and veteran of the 1990-91 Gulf War has commenced a personal protest at the treatment of Gulf War Syndrome veterans by the UK Ministry of Defence by going on hunger strike.

In an unprecedented move Mr Izett followed his action by telling Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group that he is now prepared to jeopardise his own health and safety and possibly his life in order to bring attention to the plight and suffering of all Gulf War Syndrome veterans.

Although Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group does not
condone the actions now being taken by Mr Izett we do hold empathy with all who have been affected by their Gulf War service. Many Gulf era veterans now feel betrayed by the country they gave loyal service to.

Mr Izett gave service in a standby role during the
Gulf War of 1990-91 and now considers that he suffers with health related problems associated with Gulf War Syndrome. Mr Izett now believes that not enough has been done to address the issues of Gulf War Syndrome and feels that the only way to bring attention to the outstanding issues is by embarking on a hunger strike.

Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group is very concerned
about the action being taken by Mr Izett and feels that more should be done in an effort to address the issues raised. When Mr Izett was asked to give service to his country he consented without question, he was given preparation for war service and was subsequently held in reserve, surely this individual and the many hundreds if not thousands of sick and disabled veterans now deserve the right to redress.

Gulf War Syndrome UK Support Group now calls upon the British Government and the Ministry of Defence to instigate a full public inquiry into Gulf War Syndrome. We would also like to see full and proper medial assessment,treatment and compensation for all affected Gulf War Syndrome veterans.

This is requested in order to protect the health of
past, present and future veterans of the Gulf theatre of Operations.

For further details refer Mr Justin Harvey (chair) on 01782 765642 Or Mr Terry Walker (Group Sec) on 01904 449851

GULF WAR SYNDROME UK SUPPORT GROUP
PO BOX 2340 STOKE ON TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE
ST2 7WG
01782 765642 or www.gwsuk.org.uk
 chairman@gwsuk.org.uk