John Baron MP: Nuclear Test Meeting with Veterans Minister very positive

Yesterday afternoon, John Baron MP met Veterans Minister Kevan Jones MP to discuss the health of nuclear test veterans and their offspring. This followed John’s Commons debate on the subject last week, in which he set out the finding of his cross-party inquiry last year and pressed the Government now for action. Many veterans and their families have experienced congenital diseases linked to exposure to radiation, but the Ministry of Defence has historically denied any connection with Britain’s nuclear tests.

John was joined in the meeting by Ian Gibson MP (who co-chaired the inquiry with John) and the leaders of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA). During the discussion, Kevan Jones confirmed that the Ministry of Defence would consult scientific experts ahead of setting up a study into the health of the veterans’ children and grandchildren.

Commenting afterwards, John said:

“This was a positive meeting. We’ve decided that, when studying the health of the veterans’ descendents, the veterans themselves should be involved in the design of the scientific study so that it commands the respect of all involved. This is a major step forward.”

“The MOD has also promised to review individual tribunal cases which the veterans believe are inconsistent and unfair. These veterans simply want justice for themselves and their descendents. They served their country and they now rightly expect their country to be fair with them.”