Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Nuclear Test Veteran records exercise and the Merlin database

30 June 2025 · Ministry of Defence

Proposed by Alistair Carns Lab Birmingham Selly Oak

Veterans

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Ministry updates on the review of medical records for Nuclear Test Veterans from 1952 to 1967.
  • The Merlin database is scheduled to be transferred to The National Archives this summer.
  • No specific future actions are proposed beyond the current updates and database transfer.

Issue summary

The statement addresses an update on the ongoing exercise to review medical records of Nuclear Test Veterans from 1952 to 1967, as well as the planned release of the Merlin database to The National Archives.

Action requested

No specific future action is proposed. Instead, updates are provided on the progress and scope of the records exercise and the process for transferring the Merlin database's contents to The National Archives this summer.

Key facts

  • Between 1952 and 1967, around 22,000 Armed Forces personnel, scientists, and civilians participated in UK nuclear testing.
  • Over 43,000 files have been reviewed as part of the records exercise.
  • The Merlin database contains over 28,000 records relating to historic technical and scientific documentation on UK's nuclear testing programme.
  • Records from the Merlin database will be transferred to The National Archives under the Public Records Act.
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