Comparative Treatment

The medical treatment of service personnel has hit the headlines both sides of the Atlantic. In the US conditions at the Walter Reed Hospital have come under scrutiny. On Sunday many of the British newspapers focused on claims that "veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering flashbacks, trauma and panic attacks are being told to wait 18 months or longer for treatment on the National Health Service."

Both are scandals - and reveal the different approaches taken by the two legislatures. Committees in Congress are already investigating claims about Walter Reed. At Westminster this week the House of Lords will hold a debate on "the state of the armed forces of the Crown"; where the weekend's stories will no doubt be raised.

The substantive issue is important - but so is the way our legislators are able to deal with it. I'll be watching the two approaches closely - I hope you will too - and will share your comments on the similarities and differences.