Nuclear Test Veterans Recognition 2023-09-07
2023-09-07
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the contributions of nuclear test veterans and civilians involved in Britain's nuclear test programme.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to recognise the contribution of nuclear test veterans and support the roll-out of the Nuclear Test Medal. The Office for Veterans' Affairs is investing £450,000 in projects to commemorate their experiences.
The Government are committed to recognising the contribution of veterans and civilian staff across the UK and the Commonwealth. The Office for Veterans' Affairs is investing £450,000 in projects to commemorate their experiences. I recently visited the Worcestershire Medal Service in Birmingham's jewellery quarter to see the first nuclear test medals start rolling off the production line.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the progress of applications for the nuclear test medal and whether medals would be ready by Remembrance Sunday.
Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the progress of applications for the nuclear test medal, and whether the medals will be ready to be awarded by Remembrance Sunday?
Last time we were here, I made a commitment that we would do everything possible to get these medals on chests by Remembrance Sunday. We are in line with that commitment and will meet it. This has been a 70-year project and campaign by these individuals.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The MP expressed satisfaction with the commitment to ensure medals are ready by Remembrance Sunday but sought clarity regarding recent discussions about a formal medal ceremony.
I am pleased to hear that continued commitment to ensuring that medals are with nuclear test veterans in time for Remembrance Sunday. Our nuclear test veterans served our country with pride and distinction, but given the uncertainty caused by previous comments, can we have some clarity? What recent discussions has he had with nuclear test veterans about a formal medal ceremony?
The hon. Member will be aware that Remembrance Sunday is coming up, which is a timeline that campaigners wanted to meet. That gives us a narrow window to do the sort of ceremony that I would think befits these individuals. It is a balance between getting the medals on people's chests for Remembrance Sunday and at the same time ensuring that they are awarded in a manner that is in keeping with their service.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific details of recent discussions or guarantees about a formal medal ceremony were not provided.
I Will Not Take Any Lessons On This
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