From Pat Finucane Centre

Internal Government report highlights dangers of new plastic bullet 

On April 2 01 the British Government announced that a new plastic bullet would be introduced on June 1 01. According to the Government the new 'baton round' (plastic bullet) will be more accurate, safer and lead to fewer serious injuries. In fact an official report from the Defence Scientific Advisory Council (DSAC) states the opposite. The only basis for the Government claim that the new plastic bullet would lead to fewer serious injuries or even fatalities is the spurious claim that it is more accurate and firers would not aim at the upper body as per regulations. There is abundant evidence over the years that plastic bullets are deliberately fired at the upper body.

According to the DSAC report the new projectile will likely lead to an increase in non-life threatening injuries. In a chilling evaluation however the DSAC states "If the L21A1 (the new plastic bullet) does contact the head, and it strikes perpendicular to the skull ("head-on"), there is a risk that the projectile will be retained in the head." (18d) This is only one of a number of startling admissions. We have underlined the relevant sections of the report which contradict the Government statement. Kevin Mc Namara MP has branded the new plastic bullet a 'child killer'. He also accused the MoD of 'defying the recommendations of Patton'.

For further information contact the PFC at 028 71 268846 The full report is available on our website at www.serve.com/pfc