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Nuclear Test Veteran records exercise and the Merlin database
30 June 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Defence
At a Glance
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy