John Baron MP explains to the Prime Minister why nuclear test veterans are a special case

MP presses David Cameron on recognition campaign

As part of the recognition campaign for the British nuclear test veterans, John Baron MP had a private meeting with the Prime Minister this afternoon to discuss the aims of the campaign. After previously hitting a brick wall with the MoD, John requested the meeting with the Prime Minister at PMQs on 12^th February.

At the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister undertook to make further enquiries and get back to John, who is Patron of the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association (BNTVA).

John said,

“This was a constructive meeting. I talked the Prime Minister through our recognition campaign, and he is now going to ask further questions within Government. I will also be sending him our film, ‘Britain’s Atomic Betrayal’. He will then get back to me.”

“Our nuclear test veterans are a special case. One in three of their descendents suffers from serious illness – figures supported by studies in other countries, including France. Their unique service, at a time when the science was unknown and the precautions rudimentary, made possible our independent nuclear deterrent. However, we compare poorly as to how other countries treat their veterans.”

“The country owes a huge debt of gratitude to our veterans. The Government has done well to recognise past wrongs. Our hope is that it will do so again here.”