Concern over toll of Iraq Birth defects

Liberal Democrat Jo Swinson highlighted “distressing” reports claiming the level of heart defects among newborn babies in the city is 13 times higher than in Europe.

She said there were concerns the high rate was due to weapons used by US forces during fighting six years ago.

Troops used white phosphorus shells and there has been speculation that controversial depleted uranium rounds were also fired.

Iraqi-born researcher Malik Hamdan said doctors have seen a “massive, unprecedented number” of heart defects.

Ms Hamdan said the rate of congenital heart defects was 95 per 1,000 births – 13 times the rate in Europe.

During questions on future business in the Commons, Ms Swinson asked Commons leader Harriet Harman: “You may have seen distressing reports about the increased rate of birth defects in Fallujah, which are now 13 times higher than what we see in Europe.

“There is a concern that this is as a result of weapons used by the US during the Iraq War.

“Can we have a debate on this issue so we can hear from the Foreign Secretary what representations he is making to his US counterparts about this appalling legacy?”

Ms Harman told her there would be a defence debate next week.