Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Service Medal Awards

Monday 15 March 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Advisory Military Sub-Committee concluded British nuclear test veterans did not meet criteria for a campaigning medal.
  • Government acknowledges contributions of nuclear test veterans and provides support for those who became ill due to exposure.
  • Review tightened support for nuclear test veterans eight months prior to the exchange.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Veterans
Context

The Advisory Military Sub-Committee decided not to recommend service medal awards to British nuclear test veterans, despite their significant contributions and risks.

Question

On what basis the Advisory Military Sub-Committee decided not to recommend service medal awards to British nuclear test veterans. The review by the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee concluded that it did not meet the level of risk and rigour required for a campaigning medal or class, despite warm rhetoric about their crucial role.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The review by the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee concluded that it did not meet the level of risk and rigour required for a campaigning medal or class. The Government remain grateful to all who participated, acknowledging their contributions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for not meeting the criteria were not provided; only that it does not meet the level of risk and rigour required.

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Q2 Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Veterans
Context

A constituent wrote about their father who was a veteran of the UK's nuclear test programme in the 1950s, expressing concern that no formal recognition has been provided despite decades of rhetoric.

Question

Our nuclear test veterans were sent to the south Pacific at great risk. They have heard warm rhetoric but lack formal recognition. A constituent wrote about their father who participated in two grapple tests on Christmas Island and passed away without seeing a medal or compensation. Does the Minister share concern that no more veterans should pass away unrecognised?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Their contributions are not unrecognised; we ensure support for those who have become ill as a result of exposure. The review tightened up that support eight months ago, and while the medallic system is outwith Ministers' control, I am determined to continue supporting this cohort.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the concern about formal recognition or medals directly; focused on health support instead.

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