In 2006, a call came in from Craig Prescott seeking help to address the injustices faced by his father, Roy, a participant in nuclear weapons testing who passed away without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence’s denial of liability. Following Craig’s perseverance, his mother ultimately secured a widow’s pension after an appeal hearing. The concerning issue was that while American troops involved in similar tests received compensation, British veterans did not.
Previously working as a defense reporter in Plymouth, I was familiar with the MoD’s operations and had insights into nuclear risks. Craig’s determination to advocate for his father’s cause was not only commendable but also inspiring.
The Mirror had been advocating for veterans since 1984 when reporter Paul Foot highlighted numerous cases of veterans reporting health issues. Richard Stott, a prominent columnist, continued the fight for justice. Following Roy’s story, more veterans reached out seeking support, signaling a shift in awareness.
Roy was among many Royal Engineers who participated in Cold War weapon trials, with thousands more from the UK and Commonwealth reporting health issues linked to the tests. Despite mounting evidence, legal battles with the MoD proved challenging, with the Supreme Court ruling against the veterans’ claims.
However, continued efforts by veterans and their families, supported by new research and uncovered documents, led to a campaign for a commemorative medal. After years of persistence and revelations of MoD interference, the medal was finally announced by Rishi Sunak, acknowledging the sacrifices of these veterans.
While the medal brought a sense of recognition, some veterans felt disrespected by the delivery method and the lack of personalization. Nevertheless, the campaign reinvigorated the veteran community, unearthing further evidence of the human experimentation that took place during the tests.
This initial push for justice has now evolved into the Nuked Blood Scandal, triggering a ministerial inquiry, a police review, and the release of extensive classified data. The ongoing campaign seeks to uncover the truth behind the veterans’ ordeals.
As I bid farewell to my final column for the Mirror after 13 years, I express gratitude to the readers and the dedicated team behind the scenes who have supported and produced these stories.
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