70th Anniversary - Hurricane

October 3rd 2022 is the 70th anniversary of the first British atomic test in the Montebello Islands, Western Australia.

In this 70th year, the British nuclear veterans have not been officially recognised, are still fighting for war pensions, and have been denied compensation. Yet a document in 1951 shows the risk and that participants should be compensated.

Let's look at the Risk and Rigour argument, in the 1951 document.

Risk must be run by some people if we are to achieve the full purpose of the trial. No argument for Risk.

Should exposure standards have a general one and a special one for volunteers?

Liability for anyone killed or injured on duty or subsequently falls ill. If they are worried about this, there must be a rigour aspect to the operation.

For compensation, the effects suffered may be long-delayed, but a formula should be accepted which would dispose any tribunal in favour of a claimant ex "Hurricance". USA implemented the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), the UK did nothing.

Yet the MoD still refuse war pensions in 98.4% of claims by nuclear veterans.

Conclusion

This document is from 1951, the Rear Admiral is concerned about the risks, compensation and understands the ill effects being long delayed. Yet it was ignored, veterans are still not compensated through war pensions, they are still fighting for any form of recognition.

We must overturn this denial, this injustice. #lookmeintheeye

At our seminar in Manchester on February 19th 2022, we heard testimonies from veterans, wives, widows and descendants on the effects of living within a nuclear test family. Find out more.

Manchester Seminar - 19th February 2022