Soldier criticises compensation

Injured soldier Jamie Cooper has written his feelings in an open letter

A soldier from Bristol who was injured during a mortar attack in Iraq has written an open letter attacking the government for their financial support.

Private Jamie Cooper, 19, said, in his letter to a local MP, that "the lads are being thrown in the gutter."

Pte Cooper has also criticised his �57,000 compensation payment, saying in the letter: "It's rubbish."

The Ministry of Defence would not comment and instructed Pte Cooper not to talk to the BBC.

'No respect'

Pte Cooper was injured in Basra in November 2006 after shrapnel cut through his stomach during fighting. He suffered futher health setbacks after catching a series of infections during treatment at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital.

He is currently receiving treatment at the Defence Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court in Surrey and after months of physiotherapy he is able to walk with the use of sticks.

It was initially thought that he would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Roger Berry, Labour MP for Kingswood, said: "We've got to treat people fairly and properly and people who make enormous sacrifices in conflict and suffer the kind of injuries that Jamie has, I think they deserve far better compensation and that's something I'll continue to argue for."

Pte Cooper, who has recently bought a flat with his brother, also wrote in his letter that he will not receive a disability discount on his council tax as he is "not disabled enough."

Bristol City Council said it does provide a discount on council tax - but only if a property has been modified as the result of a disability.

Pte Cooper wrote that he has been taunted by youngsters when they see him walking with his sticks.

He wrote: "If the government treat you with no respect how can you expect others to show it."

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