Reservist announcement should be welcomed - Harvey

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th May 2006

Responding to the Government announcement that British Army reservists who served in Iraq will receive more support, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey MP said "Today's announcement should be welcomed. However, it is clearly a recognition by the Government that British reservists are not getting the support they need. Is it any wonder that the British Army's reserve force is almost 25% under strength?

"The Government's assertion that there has been no 'syndrome' from the Iraq war must also be questioned, as Gulf War veterans often took years to develop symptoms."