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UK legal fight continues for nuclear test veterans

Chronic health problems cited by them include cancers, skin defects, fertility problems and birth defects in their children…..In 1998, research from Durham University suggested that one-in-three servicemen died from bone cancers or leukaemia linked to the atomic and hydrogen bomb tests ….”Britain’s nuclear veterans are dying at a rate of around three every month but those who remain say they are determined to continue this battle.”

Nuclear test veterans set for Supreme Court appeal bid, BBC News 28 July 11,Veterans involved in Britain’s nuclear weapons tests in the 1950s are taking their case for compensation to the Supreme Court. More than 1,000 ex-servicemen say exposure to radiation during tests conducted between 1952 and 1958 left them with ill-health.

A lower court said nine out of 10 lead cases were brought too late to be considered. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has contested the claims since 2004.  Veterans have been battling for recompense and a recognition of their claim that their poor health was caused by radiation exposure.

But the MoD has always denied any link between the veterans’ exposure to radiation and any illnesses.

Chronic health problems cited by them include cancers, skin defects, fertility problems and birth defects in their children.

Ken McGinley, a veteran, told the BBC: “On Christmas Island I witnessed five bomb tests. Basically we had no protection and warnings at all.”All we were told to do was to stand and look at the bomb [and] cover our eyes up in case we got blinded by the flash.”

The UK carried out a series of nuclear weapons tests in mainland Australia, the Montebello islands off the west Australian coast and on Christmas Island, in the Pacific in the 1950s.

In June 2009, the High Court gave the current group of veterans the right to sue the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans who served in the Army, Royal Navy and Air Force – as well as personnel from New Zealand and Fiji – were all exposed to radiation.

Last year the appeal judges said nine test cases were launched outside the legal time limit and so stopped them from proceeding.

In 1998, research from Durham University suggested that one-in-three servicemen died from bone cancers or leukaemia linked to the atomic and hydrogen bomb tests.

Regarding the latest legal bid by UK veterans, BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt said: “Britain’s nuclear veterans are dying at a rate of around three every month but those who remain say they are determined to continue this battle.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14320465

July 28, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Legal, UK