John with other MPs and BNTVA members at the launch this morning
MP highlights art exhibition inspired by nuclear tests
Today in Parliament, the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association (BNTVA) launched their campaign for official recognition by the nation for the contribution made by veterans of the British nuclear testing programme. As Patron of the BNTVA, John sponsored and spoke at the event, which was attended by other MPs, nuclear veterans and their descendents.
The launch also included artwork by artist Gary Bennett, Kathrine Connery (the daughter of a test veteran), and members of the BNTVA. Their work is inspired by the nuclear tests, and aims to portray the mental anguish experienced by British nuclear test veterans and their descendants. It depicts the mental trauma which many service personnel have experienced since participating in the British nuclear tests. A larger exhibition, taking place on Oxford Street and curated by the veterans themselves and their descendants, will be on display next week – please see below for details.
John said:
“We owe our nuclear test veterans a huge debt of gratitude for their service. This superb exhibition conveys some of the emotions felt by the servicemen during the nuclear tests. It is a fitting accompaniment to the launch of our campaign for official recognition of the veterans’ unique contribution to the defence of the realm.”
Nige Heaps, Chairman of the BNTVA, said:
“This is a fantastic start to our campaign. We have received support from all parties, clearly showing that the recognition of the contribution and suffering of our nuclear test veterans is rightly regarded as an issue of national responsibility.”
“I look forward to the public launch of our Shadow of the Bomb art exhibition, which will raise awareness of our campaign in the public arena.”
Notes to Editors:
? The BNTVA is the foremost UK charity which represents and supports the needs of atomic veterans and their descendants. Through education, research and support the BNTVA engages with ex-servicemen and the wider community to pass on their experiences to future generations.
? Unlike other veterans’ organisations, the BNTVA has never taken part in the legal actions against the MoD.
? The campaign for recognition is twofold:
? It aims to secure official recognition by the Prime Minister, either oral or written, for the test veterans’ service.
? It also aims to establish a £25m Benevolent Fund to distribute grants – on the basis of need – to test veterans and their descendents to: alleviate need, help with treatment, pay for care and enhance wellbeing for those in need. It is intended for the money to take the form of an ex gratia payment from Central Government funds – not from the MoD budget. The Government will not be admitting liability.
? The art exhibition, entitled ‘The Shadow of the Bomb’, will take place at 3Space (29-31, Oxford Street, W1D 2DR), and will run from 17th – 21st June. Admission is free, and opening times are as follows:
? Monday 17th June: 2.00pm-5.00pm, 6.00pm-8.00pm
? Tuesday 18th June: 11.30am-6.30pm
? Wednesday 19th June: 11.30am-6.30pm
? Thursday 20th June: 11.30am-6.30pm
? Friday 21st June: 11.30am-2.30pm
? There will also be an evening reception on Monday 17th from 6pm- 8pm.
? Gary Bennett is a contemporary emotive artist. He lived in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and served in the military for five years.
? Kathrine Connery is the daughter of Frank Connery, who witnessed the first atom bomb test at Montebello Island in 1952. He sadly passed away on 9th May 2010 from cancer. She has expressed her feelings about the effects of the tests on canvas.
? For further information please contact Sheena Pankhania at Cratus Communications (spankhania@cratus.co.uk, 020 8546 9374).
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