MP highlights contribution of Veterans
Today in the House of Commons, during a debate on the nuclear deterrent, John Baron MP highlighted the debt of gratitude the country owes our nuclear test veterans, who in the 1950s and 1960s were instrumental to the creation of the British nuclear deterrent. John is Patron of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA), and is campaigning for official recognition of their crucial role at the dawn of the nuclear age.
In the debate, John said,
“The test veterans’ service was quite unique. When these men took part, the science was largely unknown. Pre-test precautions were primitive and inadequate, and failed to fully protect individuals from the effects of heat, blast shock and ionizing radiation. Many veterans believe their health was adversely affected by these tests.”
“The BNTVA and I recently started a new campaign to establish a Benevolent Fund to support veterans and their descendents, and to obtain official recognition from the Prime Minister of our debt to them. The campaign is warranted because our nuclear test veterans are poorly treated when compared to other countries.”
John said afterwards,
“Today marks the beginning of our recognition campaign for British Nuclear Test Veterans. The campaign is supported by a good number of MPs, and we are hopeful we can secure a worthy settlement for these brave men.”
Ends
Word Count: 235
Date: 17th January 2013
Notes to Editors:
- US veterans receive £47,800, plus a further £47,000 for any secondary attributable illness [US Service personnel have access to free healthcare provision].
- Canada pays veterans over £15,200, in addition to monies from Pensions and Compensation legislation, and has a free healthcare service similar to the NHS.
- The Isle of Man makes an ex gratia tax-free payment of £8,000 to any resident test veteran.
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