British Nuclear Test Veterans
2020-12-17
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Advisory Military Sub-Committee did not recommend a service medal award for British nuclear test veterans, raising questions about the criteria used.
What criteria was used by the Advisory Military Sub-Committee to inform its decision not to recommend a service medal award for British nuclear test veterans?
The independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee first considers whether there are exceptional circumstances that merit a review. The criteria for historical recognition are the exposure of deployed personnel to a significant degree of risk to life and limb and to arduous conditions, in excess of what might be expected as part of normal service duties.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about the decision criteria used by the committee for nuclear test veterans.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is the only country that performed nuclear tests without formally recognising its 20,000 nuclear test veterans. These veterans were exposed to ionizing radiation with no protection.
Why does the Minister consider these veterans unworthy of a medal? The UK is the only country that performed nuclear tests that has not formally recognised the contribution of its 20,000 nuclear test veterans. These elderly veterans have heard decades of rhetoric about their bravery but without formal recognition.
I am afraid that there were a number of inaccuracies in the hon. Member's question. It is not my Department, and we are not the only country in the world that has this view. Only this summer, I met the chairman of the veterans group concerned and asked Veterans UK to revisit and redesign the support available to our nuclear test veterans. I understand the disappointment at this decision. My job is to make sure these people are looked after properly.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why the Minister considers these veterans unworthy of a medal.
I Am Afraid That There Were A Number Of Inaccuracies In The Hon. Member'S Question.
Response accuracy