Britain acknowledges concern over 'Balkans syndrome'

The British government has bowed to public concern over possible health risks associated with the use of armour-piercing shells tipped with depleted uranium.

It will be offering additional medical checks to British troops who served in Balkans peacekeeping operations.

The armed forces minister, John Spellar, told parliament the government believed there was no immediate cause for alarm; nevertheless, it recognised the need to reassure former servicemen and women. But he said the weapons were potential battle-winners and would remain in the British forces' arsenal. The statement follows mounting public concern in several European countries at the deaths from leukaemia of a number of Italian and Portuguese who had served in the Balkans.

The European Commission has ordered experts to report on the matter, and three Portuguese cabinet ministers have gone to Kosovo to join a scientific investigation of possible contamination.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service