Veterans who served as part of the UK nuclear weapon test operations - and their families - have still not been compensated for illness and injuries sustained after radiation exposure.

Blood disorders, miscarriages and infant mortality have all been linked to radiation poisoning.

However, only certain ailments are covered in the War Pensions Scheme, which goes little way to compensating fully for the illness and injuries people have suffered, and are still suffering, from.

Help for Heroes is calling on the UK Government to establish a compensation scheme for nuclear test veterans and their families.

Why justice is needed

More than 20,000 UK military personnel served as part of UK nuclear weapon tests between 1952 and 1967 in Australia, Fiji and other Pacific islands, of which an estimated 1,500 are still alive.

Evidence suggests that the exposure to radiation during the test operations caused a unique and devastating set of injuries and illnesses to not only these veterans themselves, but also to their children. 

Nuclear test veterans have higher rates of cancers and blood disorders. Some studies have suggested that radiation is linked to higher rates of miscarriage, infant mortality and birth defects amongst the children and grandchildren ‘of these veterans, too. One study suggests children of these veterans were 10 times more likely to be born with birth defects, and five times more likely to die as infants.

The extent and severity of harm suffered by these veterans and their families goes beyond that which can be adequately addressed through War Pensions. We want to see a scheme established, which provides lump-sum financial compensation to living nuclear test veterans, and to family members who can demonstrate that injuries, illness or significant health impacts upon their lives, were caused because of their parents' service during the nuclear tests. Such schemes already exist in the United States, Canada and France - but not in the UK.

What we’re doing

  •  We have supported the campaign by these veterans and the Daily Mirror to bring a legal challenge to the MOD’s refusal to publish medical records relating to these tests. Successive governments have maintained no records have been withheld from the veterans or any court cases.
  • In 2023, we included the ask for compensation as one of our top priorities for veterans at the next General Election.
  • We have met with MPs and officials from numerous political parties in support of this policy, including our panel event at the 2024 Labour Party Conference, where we were joined by Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns.
  • We have supported the campaign for the introduction of the service medal for Nuclear Test Veterans. In November 2023, this was achieved. Eligible veterans and their next of kin can still apply for a medal.
  • We believe the next logical step is to now fully compensate these veterans and their families for illnesses and effects caused by radiation exposure during service.

The campaign so far

If you would like more information on this campaign, please contact our Senior Public Affairs and Policy Managers, Ted Arnold at ted.arnold@helpforheroes.org.uk or George Lankester at george.lankester@helpforheroes.org.uk 

You can also read about it on the BBC's website. The new documentary, 'Britain's Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story', airs on BBC2 at 9pm on Wednesday 20 November 2024. It will also be available on iPlayer. Watch the BBC Breakfast interview, ahead of the documentary's airing, here.

Read more about our campaigning

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