WHILE most of the nations which sent forces into the Balkans investigated allegations of contamination from depleted uranium weapons, it was preposterous that Britain continued to reject calls for an inquiry.

It does not matter so much that the U-turn is belated. But it does matter that it is being made so grudgingly.

By continuing to insist that there is no link between the use of such weapons and the onset of leukaemia and other illnesses, the Ministry of Defence is merely demonstrating its closed mind on the issue.

By insisting that the screening programme of veterans is intended to "reassure", Armed Services Minister John Spellar is showing his mind is also closed.

The minister and the MoD ought to reflect that the fears about so-called Gulf War Syndrome and Balkan Syndrome are genuinely held by soldiers who were prepared to risk their lives in the service of their country.

The very least they deserve is to have their voices heard and their concerns examined thoroughly and objectively.

Until the MoD adopts a more diligent and fair-minded approach there will always be the suspicion of a cover-up.

There needs to be a clear demonstration that the MoD is driven by the interests of its veterans rather than its own reputation and credibility.

England expects

IT looks as if it is the curse of the England job.

When Glenn Hoddle was given the task of England manager, he was regarded as being a very promising coach with some fresh ideas - qualities he has rediscovered at Southampton. But he ended up overbearingly arrogant with some thoughts that verged, frankly, on the loopy.

When Kevin Keegan was given the task, he was a man incapable of self-doubt. His teams played thrilling, carefree football. But he ended up admitting that he wasn't good enough for the job while his teams looked dour and nervous.

When Sven-Goran Eriksson was given the task, he was billed as Europe's finest coach, "the best man for the job". But he arrives here on the back of failure, knocked out of the European Cup, the Italian Cup and having suffered six defeats in his last ten games.

Meanwhile, the Englishman who wasn't given the England task has prospered at Middlesbrough. Terry Venables halted a run of ten games without a win and is now unbeaten in six. He's re-organised what was a haphazard team leaking goals all over the place into a solid unit which only concedes flukish own goals and dubious penalties.

We sincerely - most sincerely - hope that Mr Eriksson can kick the curse of the England job and turn our nation's fortunes around so that at least we do not stare embarrassment in the face at every final whistle.