Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Military Helicopters: Blood Cancers

08 July 2025 · 7 other contributors · 4,627 words

Opened by Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth

Responding minister: Al Carns

DefenceNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jayne Kirkham raised concerns about military helicopters: blood cancers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The debate focuses on a Royal Navy pilot diagnosed with multiple myeloma, raising concerns about potential exposure to harmful exhaust fumes from military helicopters.
  • Jayne Kirkham calls for increased awareness and screening programs for veterans who served on helicopters potentially exposing them to harmful fumes.
  • The government announces a programme to test exhaust emissions from all operational helicopters, building on previous surveys that found no conclusive evidence linking exposure levels above safety standards to risks for aircrew.

Key requests to Government

Jayne Kirkham calls for increased awareness and screening programs for veterans who served on helicopters potentially exposing them to harmful fumes. She also asks the government to expedite research into links between helicopter exhaust emissions and blood cancers.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth

The debate focuses on the case of a Royal Navy pilot who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer affecting only 5,000 people annually in the UK. The incidence of this disease among personnel working on military helicopters, particularly Sea Kings, raises concerns about potential exposure to harmful exhaust fumes. Jayne Kirkham cites a report from the Independent Medical Expert Group which found insufficient evidence for a causal link but acknowledges that symptoms can take up to 20 years to manifest.

Other contributors (7)
  • Al Carns Con Truro and Falmouth

    Responded on the war pension scheme and armed forces compensation scheme, emphasizing a commitment to explore options for a broader review of cancers in service personnel. Discussed several studies on Sea King helicopters, noting exposures were below harmful levels. Recommended that third party operators appropriately manage risks.

  • Anna Gelderd Lab South East Cornwall

    Thanked the Minister for his responses and acknowledged her colleague's strong advocacy for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

  • Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr

    The hon. Member supports additional research into respiratory problems affecting veterans beyond just blood cancers, advocating for comprehensive investigation of all potential health risks associated with military service. Asked whether legal aid should be available for military personnel to progress claims related to helicopter exhaust fumes.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon highlights cases involving Northern Ireland police officers exposed to helicopter exhaust fumes, urging early intervention to detect and treat blood cancers that can take decades to manifest. Asks if there is an obligation to notify individuals who suspect they have or are at risk of developing blood cancer due to their military service, emphasizing respect and courtesy.

  • Dhesi Lab Twickenham

    Asked for clarification on whether tests or data are conducted on previous models and those not in service.

  • Perran Moon Lab Camborne and Redruth

    Highlights the MOD's duty to families and friends of those affected by blood cancers related to military service. Emphasises the need for efficient and transparent handling of cases. Asked about timescales for building up an evidence base to determine a direct link between helicopter exhaust fumes and cancers.

  • Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Lab Slough

    The hon. Member acknowledges the importance of full transparency in testing military helicopters and encourages continued health checks for personnel who may have been exposed to harmful exhaust fumes.

Government Response

Al Carns

The Minister for Veterans and People

Acknowledges the importance of health and safety in defence work. Announces a comprehensive programme to test exhaust emissions from all operational helicopters, building on previous surveys that found no conclusive evidence linking exposure levels above safety standards to risks for aircrew. Explained the complexities of data collection, lack of records on veterans post-service, ongoing work with independent experts in the UK and US, awareness campaigns for cancer screening, and the need to approach the issue methodically.

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