Nuclear test veterans demand compensation and medical records access

By Anna Lamche, BBC News, 20 Mar 24

Veterans exposed to radiation during British nuclear tests are calling for the government to create a “special tribunal” to oversee compensation.

The group, who say their lives have been blighted by ill health as a result of the tests, also want access to their missing military medical records.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says no information is withheld from veterans.

But on Tuesday it was threatened with legal proceedings by alleged victims and their families.

Former military personnel and their families served a “letter before action” on the MoD and handed a petition into Downing Street earlier.

Veterans and their families developed cancer, heart problems and even lost babies after the tests – and their children have been born with obvious disabilities, the group claims.

The campaigners have called on the government to establish a “special tribunal” that would investigate, compensate and commemorate alleged victims of the nuclear tests, which took place between 1952 and 1967 in Australia and the South Pacific.

The government is under pressure to act quickly because many of the claimants are now getting older.

The group is demanding access to blood and urine samples taken during the Cold War weapons trials.

Regis

Nuclear test veterans demand compensation and medical records access

By Anna Lamche, BBC News 20 Mar 24

Veterans exposed to radiation during British nuclear tests are calling for the government to create a “special tribunal” to oversee compensation.

The group, who say their lives have been blighted by ill health as a result of the tests, also want access to their missing military medical records.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says no information is withheld from veterans.

But on Tuesday it was threatened with legal proceedings by alleged victims and their families.

Former military personnel and their families served a “letter before action” on the MoD and handed a petition into Downing Street earlier.

Veterans and their families developed cancer, heart problems and even lost babies after the tests – and their children have been born with obvious disabilities, the group claims

The campaigners have called on the government to establish a “special tribunal” that would investigate, compensate and commemorate alleged victims of the nuclear tests, which took place between 1952 and 1967 in Australia and the South Pacific.

The government is under pressure to act quickly because many of the claimants are now getting older.

The group is demanding access to blood and urine samples taken during the Cold War weapons trials…………………………………………. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68611769

March 22, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, UK