South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes says nuclear test veterans deserve recognition
In his regular column Sir John Hayes once again calls for action for our nuclear test veterans
The new Prime Minister paid tribute to her predecessor as someone whom history will record as a man of consequence.
Whatever his faults or failures, Boris Johnson’s achievements as Prime Minister - getting Brexit done, the Covid vaccine and his statesmanship during the war in Ukraine – were notable.
One of his final, and amongst his finest, decisions was to pledge long overdue justice for our nation’s nuclear test veterans.
Earlier this year Mr Johnson agreed to meet Rebecca-Long Bailey MP, a group of veterans and myself to discuss recognition of those who served in Britain’s nuclear programme.
During that meeting, the accounts of lives altered, which have long moved me, inspired Boris to give momentum to the cause. Soon after, answering my oral question in the House of Commons, he vowed to take “personal charge” of the campaign.
The former PM kept his word, later unveiling a plan of action to do right by nuclear test veterans.
As a result of our meeting, the price paid by our nuclear veterans was recognised - as it should be, by those of us shielded by the nuclear deterrent which servicemen of the 1950s tested.
The so-called ‘boosterism’ of the Johnson premiership was brought to bear in his last days in No.10 as he commissioned an oral history to memorialise their service; committed to national recognition of this year’s 70 th ‘plutonium’ anniversary of the first UK nuclear test; and dedicated funds for programmes to record their contribution to British national security.
When working for David Cameron I campaigned successfully, alongside John Baron MP, for the Test veterans. Consequently, in 2015, the Prime Minister and his Chancellor announced an ex gratia fund of £30million in recognition of the price they paid in declining health and diminished wellbeing.
Further acknowledgement of their important role in our national story is the least we can do for this ‘forgotten army’.
Such responses are a straightforward ‘thank you’ for and acceptance of the risks they took and the harm they suffered in doing their duty.
But the mission is not over. These were military men in service to Queen and country, as such their efforts ought to be marked by a medal marking the uniquely challenging circumstances faced.
I have, with colleagues, been campaigning to persuade bureaucrats and military top brass of this, as the nuclear veteran cohort dwindles with each passing year.
In Boris’ words they unquestionably “deserve such an honour”.
Liz Truss, our new Prime Minister, followed her predecessor’s fine example when, during the leadership contest, she paid tribute to the distinction with which nuclear test veterans served, promising to recognise their sacrifice - particularly with regard to the long-term health consequences they endured.
Her vow to give “careful consideration” to medallic recognition is wise and welcome.
For these words to be honoured, the weight of her office must be brought to bear on establishment figures inclined to obfuscate.
During her first speech outside Downing Street, Liz Truss pledged “action this day”.
The thousands of nuclear test veterans and their families who have waited decades for action deserve nothing less.