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British govt gags debate: delaying tactics as nuclear veterans die

More than 1,000 former servicemen and their families are fighting to win £20million compensation from the Ministry of Defence after being made ‘guinea pigs’ for postwar nuclear tests in the South Pacific and Australia….On average, three survivors are dying each week.

MPs gagged over atom bomb test veterans: 1,000 former servicemen fighting £20m compensation battle, Daily Mail UK, By Ian Drury 31st August 2010 The Commons Speaker is under fire after MPs were barred from asking questions about the treatment of Britain’s nuclear test veterans……… MPs and veterans have accused Mr Bercow’s officials of stifling freedom of speech to avoid embarrassing the Government.

More than 1,000 former servicemen and their families are fighting to win £20million compensation from the Ministry of Defence after being made ‘guinea pigs’ for postwar nuclear tests in the South Pacific and Australia.

They took legal action after suffering medical problems, including cancer, skin defects, infertility and genetic disorders passed on to their children, which they blame on exposure to radiation. On average, three survivors are dying each week.

The Court of Appeal is due to rule in October on whether the veterans may sue the MoD, paving the way for payouts of up to £36,500 each. The MoD says their claims were made too late……..Campaigners say ministers want to avoid answering difficult and embarrassing questions about successive governments’ failure to grant justice for the veterans.

MPs gagged over atom bomb test veterans: Ex-servicemen in £20m compensation battle | Mail Online

September 1, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | secrets,lies and civil liberties, UK | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear costs, nuclear spin, radiation, radioactive