Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nuclear Test Veterans: Recognition

Thursday 7 September 2023 · 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to recognising nuclear test veterans and investing 450,000 in commemorative projects.
  • Government aims to award the Nuclear Test Medal to veterans by Remembrance Sunday, a 70-year goal.
  • Honorable member seeks clarity on timeline and process for awarding the medals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Lopresti Con
Veterans
Context

The MP raised concerns about the contributions of nuclear test veterans and civilians involved in Britain's nuclear test programme.

Question

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.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

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.

Answered
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Q2 Jack Lopresti Con
Veterans
Context

The MP inquired about the progress of applications for the nuclear test medal and whether medals would be ready by Remembrance Sunday.

Question

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?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

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.

Answered
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Q3 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Veterans
Context

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.

Question

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?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific details of recent discussions or guarantees about a formal medal ceremony were not provided.

How: I Will Not Take Any Lessons On This

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