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Gary Titley MEP

Mr Titley has been active in campaigning for Gulf War veterans who believe they have developed illnesses linked to so-called Gulf War syndrome.

The Labour MEP is now seeking evidence from people in north Manchester who served in the Balkans and believe they have suffered as a result of contact with weapons or debris contaminated by DU.

Mr Titley is to table a parliamentary motion in Strasburg this week calling for a European-wide investigation into the impact on the health of forces personnel of uranium tipped missiles.

On Monday there is to be a House of Lords debate on the issue, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the outbreak of the Gulf War.

The Royal Navy has already revealed it is phasing out DU ammunition. The missiles are been coated in the material to make it possible to penetrate armour so stopping tanks.

Although most forces personnel will not have come into contact with the weapons themselves, Mr Titley believes many may have been exposed to contaminated land and wrecked tanks in clearing-up operations.

Veterans are being offered screening to establish whether or not the incidence of cancer is higher among troops than would be expected in the general population.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has said the controversial weapons were "astonishingly effective" and had saved lives in the Gulf War and the Balkans. It was, he said, "inappropriate" to ban DU-tipped ammunition because there was no scientific evidence to support claims that it caused illness.

Mr Hoon said the British armed forces would continue to use DU weapons until "clear scientific evidence" emerged which convinced him there was a link between their use and illness.

Mr Titley is demanding a full inquiry into the alleged connection which he believes is essential if EU member state are to agree on the proposed rapid reaction force to deal with conflicts within the continent.

Mr Titley said: "Other countries have found a connection between cancer in ex-service personnel and the use of DU. I'm pleased the government has responded quickly to these concerns by organising screening.

"It is important that member states agree on whether or not there is a link and whether or not these missiles should be used. This is a fundamental issue if we are to develop a European rapid reaction force."