In 2006, I received a call from Craig Prescott seeking help to address the injustice faced by his late father, Roy, a veteran who participated in nuclear weapons testing without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence denying liability. Despite Craig’s efforts, his father passed away without receiving justice. Craig’s persistence led to a successful appeal for a widow’s pension for his mother, shedding light on the disparity between British and American compensations for troops involved in the tests.
Having previously covered defense matters and nuclear risks as a journalist in Plymouth, I was familiar with the workings of the MoD. The Mirror had been advocating for veterans’ rights since 1984 when concerns were raised about health issues among former soldiers exposed to nuclear testing. The relentless efforts of individuals like Roy and Craig drew attention to the plight of over 40,000 service members from the UK and Commonwealth who suffered from various health problems post-tests, including cancers and birth defects in their offspring.
As the veterans’ campaign gained traction, legal battles ensued, revealing the challenges faced by the aging veterans in obtaining recognition and compensation. Despite setbacks in court, ongoing research and uncovering of new evidence fueled the fight for acknowledgment and justice. The Mirror’s support bolstered the veterans’ cause, leading to significant developments such as the introduction of a commemorative medal in 2018, symbolizing the long-overdue recognition of their sacrifices.
Although the medal was a token gesture, it held profound significance for veterans and their families, acknowledging their service and sacrifices. However, the manner in which it was presented, as a mere keepsake in a Jiffy bag, left many veterans feeling disrespected and undervalued. The campaign for justice continued to uncover new evidence, including classified documents that exposed the extent of the veterans’ ordeal as part of the Nuked Blood Scandal, triggering further investigations and legal actions.
The revelations sparked by the campaign prompted a ministerial inquiry and a criminal review, shedding light on the UK’s nuclear testing history and the impact on those involved. The ongoing efforts of the veteran community have brought attention to the need for accountability and recognition of the sacrifices made in the name of national security. As my tenure with the Mirror comes to an end, I express gratitude to all those who have supported this cause over the years.