The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
MP John Hayes has thrown his weight behind a campaign to get justice and recognition for British Nuclear Test Veterans.
The British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association has called on the Government to set up a £25million charitable fund to help the survivors who were on Christmas Island in the 1950s, and their families – and now Mr Hayes, who is MP for
South Holland and the Deepings, says more must be done to recognise the sacrifices they have made.
Mr Hayes said: “Britain’s nuclear program, conducted in the Pacific Ocean, began in 1952 and lasted for over a decade.
“Those British servicemen, numbering upwards of 20,000, witnessed a series of explosions – up close and, in many cases, without specialist protective clothing.
“One of those veterans is Douglas Hern from Moulton.
“I’ve met with Douglas on many occasions, both in Lincolnshire and in Westminster, to help progress his campaign as he has long sought formal recognition of the vital role that those test veterans played in those post-war years.
“Many of the servicemen who were present at the nuclear tests have developed serious illnesses, and, worse still, their children and grandchildren have been plagued by similar disorders which they believe to be linked to the effects of the atomic tests.
“Earlier this year, in a landmark change, the Prime Minister formally recognised the contribution of the service personnel who participated in the testing programme, and expressed his gratitude for their selfless efforts.
“Recently, David Cameron told Parliament he was determined to seek a resolution to this issue.
“The Prime Minister has a proud record of honouring Britain’s veterans; changing the rules so that war widows will no longer lose their pension if they remarry, and, for the first time, fully recognising and decorating those who served on the Arctic Convoys and in Bomber Command.
“Douglas Hern and his wife are brave campaigners for a worthy cause and know they can rely on my continued support in the crusade for justice led by the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association.
“It is right that these brave men who gave so much for their country are properly recognised for what they did and what they endured.
“More must be done.”
Only a few hundred nuclear test veterans out of 22,500 remain alive, but many are suffering illnesses which they claim are linked to radiation exposure.
