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Veterans: Radiation Exposure

Asked by Sir John HayesConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 12 December 2024UIN 17507

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer on 26 November to Question 14583 on Veterans: Radiation Exposure, if he will set a deadline for the publication of his Department's internal review into the whereabouts of nuclear test veterans' medical records.

Answered by Al Carns

The Government is deeply grateful to all Service personnel who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We recognise the huge contribution they have made to our national security and take this issue very seriously.

I have asked officials to look seriously into unresolved questions regarding medical records as a priority, and this is now underway. This work will be comprehensive, and it will enable us to better understand what information the Department holds in relation to the medical testing of Service personnel who took part in the UK nuclear weapons tests, ensuring that we can be assured that relevant information has been looked at thoroughly.

I am also firmly committed to regular engagement with organisations representing nuclear test veterans to understand their concerns, and officials in the Department are also engaging regularly.

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