nuclear-news

Britain’s government spends millions to prevent atomic veterans getting justice

Around 1,000 atomic test veterans are trying to claim compensation for exposure to radiation in the Pacific Ocean and Maralinga in Australia, between 1952 and 1967.

the MoD, which denies responsibility for the men’s illnesses, has spent £5m on legal fees trying to stop compensation cases going to court.

Atomic bomb test veterans prepare for court battle, Portsmouth News UK 6 October 2011VETERANS who are fighting for compensation over radiation exposure at nuclear bomb testing sites held a remembrance service at Portsmouth Cathedral yesterday.

Around 50 people gathered in the Anglican cathedral’s grounds in Old Portsmouth to remember atomic test veterans from the 1950s and 1960s. The service came a month before Supreme Court judges rule on whether the veterans can sue the Ministry of Defence for negligence…..

Around 1,000 atomic test veterans are trying to claim compensation for exposure to radiation in the Pacific Ocean and Maralinga in Australia, between 1952 and 1967.

Many of the veterans have suffered cancer and other illnesses which they say was caused by the bomb testing….

It emerged this week that the MoD, which denies responsibility for the men’s illnesses, has spent £5m on legal fees trying to stop compensation cases going to court. The MoD wants the claims to be struck out under the Limitation Act because they did not sue within three years of injury, or within three years of discovery of injury.

Following years of court hearings and appeals, seven Supreme Court judges will sit next month to consider whether the men and their families can bring legal action against the MoD. The three-and-a-half day hearing starts in London on November 13.

BNTVA vice-chairman Jeff Liddiatt said: ‘If we win it’ll mean we can start real High Court action, but that will take another two or three years to get to court. It won’t be the end. It’s just the start of a long, long, road.’…

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/atomic_bomb_test_veterans_prepare_for_court_battle_1_3128617

October 8, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Legal, UK