Nuclear Vets

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Chrostmas Island Nuclear Test Veterans Inquiry

While in New Zealand last summer Ian met Professor Al Rowland of Massey University. Prof Rowland has just published research which found severe chromosome damage in Nuclear Test Veterans.

For Dr Rowland's report Click here

Ian then collaborated with fellow MP John Baron to put down an EDM and hold a two day Inquiry looking at all the current evidence.

The inquiry took place on the 15th and 16th October between 10am and 1pm.

The purpose of the Inquiry was to examine new scientific evidence regarding the possible medical effects on those servicemen who took part in Britain’s Nuclear Tests in the 1950s – and their offspring.

Day One of the Inquiry heard from scientists and examined the new evidence. Day Two heard from Veterans and their families about their experiences. Both days provided opportunity for members of the public and press to question those giving evidence.

For the Inquiry Agenda Click here

John and Ian issued the following joint statement:

“The purpose of the inquiry is to find out whether servicemen and their families have suffered medically as a result of being present at these tests. The British Government had a duty of care towards our servicemen and, after 50 years, it is about time we got to the truth.”

The Report was published on 8th November 2008 it made the following core recommendations:

The new scientific evidence and veterans’ testimony present a stronger case than that currently recognised by the Ministry of Defence
The MPs call on the Ministry of Defence to support further research into a possible causal link between participation in nuclear tests and subsequent ill health
There should be a completely new tribunal system to consider cases and awards of compensation which gives veterans greater benefit of the doubt in key areas
In the meantime, as a gesture of good will and acceptance of a duty of care, the Ministry of Defence should offer a small financial payment to each veterans

To download the full report click here

John Baron MP used a question at Prime Minister's Question Time to secure a meeting with Gordon Brown to discuss the findings of the inquiry.

Ian and John met Gordon Brown on 5th December 2007 and then released the following statement:

“We put the case for a new streamlined and fast tribunal system which would give the Nuclear Test Veterans a fair hearing. We also recommended that the scientific research undertaken in New Zealand which suggests a link between exposure to radiation and damage to DNA needs to be duplicated and funded here.”

“We suggested this is not a party political issue and that the country owes a debt of honour to this loyal and dignified group of Veterans. Other countries such as the US and most recently Canada have recognised this debt and are taking action.”

“The Prime Minister heard our case and promised to consider it further. He accepted the point that where injury had been caused then Britain did indeed owe a debt of honour. He also suggested that a meeting with Des Browne would be a good idea, where we could also raise the issue of £4,000 interim payment. We will continue to press this issue in Parliament.”

Ian and John have a meeting scheduled with Veteran's Minister Derek Twigg MP on 25th February 2008. They hope to put further pressure on the MOD to implement the findings of their Inquiry.