PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Veterans: Radiation Exposure (25 July 2024)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal to include UK service personnel who took part in (a) Operation Bagpipes in 1954 and (b) all other US tests.

Asked by:
Nick Timothy (Conservative)

The Nuclear Test Medal was designed to recognise the unique contribution of those personnel who served at the locations in Australia and the Pacific where the UK Atmospheric Nuclear Test Programme, including clear-up operations, took place between 1952 and 1967. In particular, the Medal recognises the contribution made by these personnel to the development of the UK's independent deterrent.

The agreed eligibility criteria for the Medal do not currently include UK personnel who were not present in the defined test areas, personnel who monitored nuclear tests conducted by other nations, or personnel who were present at later, non-atmospheric, tests.

We recognise the sacrifices and the huge contribution that Nuclear Test Veterans have made to the UK’s security. The Secretary of State for Defence has directed the Department to look at the commemorative medal criteria, in consultation with other stakeholders.

Answered by:
Al Carns (Labour)
6 September 2024