Survivors of Britain’s nuclear tests will be calling on the Prime Minister to deliver their long–promised medal in a demonstration in Parliament Square on Tuesday (Nov 8).
A group of veterans, widows, and descendants will march along Whitehall to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph, Downing Street, and the Ministry of Defence, in honour of the 22,000 servicemen who have been ignored by successive governments for 70 years. Rebecca Long Bailey MP and other MPs from across the House will be attending.
They have been repeatedly refused a medal on the grounds there was ‘no risk or rigour’ to service at the tests.
On 7.11.22, Rebecca Long Bailey MP raised the lack of medallic recognition during Defence Oral Questions in the Commons Chamber.
Rebecca Long Bailey MP, commenting why she has raised this for the fifth time in the Commons Chamber since July 2021, said:
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“So many veterans have lost their lives and many more are facing serious, complex, and rare health concerns, which research suggests is linked to their service on the British Nuclear Test programme. It is scandalous however that despite their service and sacrifice, the UK is sadly one of the only nuclear powers on Earth to yet provide medallic recognition and full support to its Nuclear Testing Veterans. They have waited for over 70 years.
The Government has the power to end this national scandal now: provide long overdue medallic recognition, research for descendants, financial and medical support for veterans and families, war pension reform and education.”
Boris Johnson met campaigners in the summer and ordered a medal review, but resigned before he could push the decision through. Now plans for a national commemoration later this month are also being downgraded.
Alan Owen, son of a veteran and leader of campaign group LABRATS, said:
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“When he ran for office, Rishi said he’d support us all the way. Since he got into No10 he’s ghosted us – just like Liz Truss did.
“We know there’s a lot on his plate, but he should try living with irradiated blood, a disabled family, or the unending denials of governments who are just waiting for us all to die.
“Only he can deliver what Boris promised us in June, and we look to him to correct the injustices.”
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