Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nuclear Testing Veterans: Service Medals

Monday 7 November 2022 · 3 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

  • British nuclear testing veterans may be awarded service medals through a process overseen by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals.
  • The Advisory Military Sub-Committee reviews cases and makes recommendations to the HD Committee for final determination.
  • The Government has allocated 450,000 to commemorate and understand the contributions of nuclear test veterans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford
Veterans
Context

The issue of British nuclear testing veterans not being awarded service medals has been raised in the press, with concerns over their lack of recognition.

Question

If he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure that British nuclear testing veterans are awarded service medals. The questioner noted a Government scientist reported in February that atomic troops were more likely to die and from cancer than other servicemen, despite this being the 70th anniversary of Britain's first nuclear test.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The award of a medal to nuclear test veterans is first a matter for the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals. The case is being considered through the well-established process for reviewing historical medal cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timeline not provided; only mentioned ongoing review process

How: Under Review

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Q2 Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford
Veterans
Context

A Cabinet Office source reportedly stated the Advisory Military Sub-Committee has recommended no medal for nuclear testing veterans, despite evidence of increased mortality among atomic troops.

Question

Given that a Government scientist reported in February that atomic troops were more likely to die and from cancer than other servicemen, and given that the Sir John Holmes military medal review states clearly that the Prime Minister can personally make a direct recommendation on a medal issue, will he now recommend that those servicemen finally receive the medal they deserve?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The procedure is for the Advisory Military Sub-Committee to make a recommendation to the HD Committee, which will determine the matter. The Government has committed £450,000 towards commemorating and understanding nuclear test veterans' contributions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific PM recommendation or medal award commitment not made; only mentioned review process and funding

How: Under Review, Procedure

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Q3 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Veterans
Context

The issue of nuclear test veteran recognition has been raised as the UK approaches Armistice Day, with concerns that Britain is the only atomic nation not providing recognition to its nuclear test veterans.

Question

Will the Minister commit to ending the scandal by setting out a clear timetable for nuclear test veterans to receive medallic recognition? Will he support Labour's call for a complete review of the medals system to recognise exemplary service personnel and veterans of unusual operations?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The HD committee will make a determination. The Minister advised against confusing commemorative coins and medallions with medals, stressing that only the latter are worn on uniform.

Not addressed: Commitment to clear timetable or review process not made; focused on distinction between medals and other forms of recognition

How: Confusing Commemorative Coins With Medals

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