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Update on Bloody Truth: The Nuclear Test Veterans’ Search for Justice

Writer's picture: Invisible EnemyInvisible Enemy

Dear Supporters


We write to provide you with an update on the Nuclear Test Veterans' fight for justice via CrowdJustice.


We remain in Phase 1 of this action, which is to try to get an answer from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on where the Veterans’ medical records are and, if they do not have them, an explanation of what happened to them. Phase 1 is supported entirely from donations so we are extremely grateful for your support to date.


Since the Letter Before Action was served at the end of March the MoD have made no attempt at constructive discussion, only attempting to shut down the legal proceedings through stonewalling and diversion.  In response to our 45 pages of documentation sent at the end of March they provided a short two page response pointing us to irrelevant historic judgments.


They have not engaged at all with the key question: now that we know the medical records were taken, where are they?

Additionally, the MoD have refused to engage with the possibility of establishing a special tribunal, which would be the swiftest way to ensure justice for the Veterans and their families.  This is unsurprising, but disappointing nonetheless.


Over the past six weeks, the MoD has delayed their response to our correspondence several times.


As a result, we have now written three times to the MoD demanding they provide a proper response to the Veterans’ claims.  If they continue to obfuscate, we will be left with no choice but to seek to compel them to engage through Court action.   We will keep you updated once we have a more substantive response.


At the same time there are other encouraging aspects to the campaign.

Following public pressure, the Atomic Weapons Establishment recently de-classified and published 150 historic files that relate to blood and urine testing of the Veterans.  While our review is ongoing, these records show that testing of the Veterans should have, or did, take place.  They also show that records were kept.  The fact they were classified for so long demonstrates the uphill struggle the Veterans face.


The recent publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry’s report is also encouraging. It demonstrates that under enough pressure, an independent body can be established to investigate government cover-ups and discover the truth - even many years later.  


Once again, we thank all our supporters for their generous contributions in funding the case. We could not have made it to this point without you. Each one of your donations, big or small, truly makes a difference in achieving justice for these Veterans who nobly served our nation.


If you are also willing and able to copy and paste the below text to just 10 of your friends and family, share our crowdfunding link on social media, it could have a huge impact on public awareness and support for our fight. We need the Bloody Truth, and we won't stop until we have it.


We send you our thanks for all you've done so far.


The Nuclear Veteran Community


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Suggested text:


Between 1952 and 1967, more than 20,000 British servicemen took part in hundreds of Cold War weapons tests in Australia and the South Pacific.  They would have been jailed for refusing.  Their efforts delivered the nuclear deterrent which has kept this country and her allies safe ever since. Today, only 2,000 or so - most in their 80s, and with chronic health problems - still survive.


But their medical records - detailing blood and urine tests taken during the trials, to assess what impact if any it was having on their bodies - are mysteriously missing. Without them, thousands of troops have suffered decades of fear and worry. Their 155,000 descendants, who report high rates of birth defects, are also traumatised.


The UK government is the only nuclear power on Earth to continue to deny its nuclear weapons testing ever harmed anyone, and has persistently denied such blood tests ever took place.


In 2022, we found the proof that they did. We've found the orders, and proved this personal health data, vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment, is hidden under national security exemptions. Even more new evidence is coming to light following our lobbying efforts.


The Nuclear Veterans are demanding these missing medical records and could really use your help to crowdfund their case. I’ve already donated and they’ve raised over £62,000, but are trying to reach £100,000 by 1 September 2024.


Please share on Facebook and Twitter, to generate even more donations and awareness of this excellent cause.


Thank you for your support.








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