Veterans of Britain’s Cold War nuclear tests are urging Sir Keir Starmer to take action following revelations suggesting they faced higher radiation risks than previously admitted.
Servicemen stationed at Pacific test sites in the late 1950s have long campaigned for recognition that their health was harmed as a result of their involvement in the programme.
Many veterans say they later developed cancer and blood disorders, while some report losing children they believe were affected by the testing.
Lawyers representing the servicemen are now demanding the Prime Minister pursue justice for their clients and investigate anyone involved in concealing the truth.
According to the Sunday Mirror, newly surfaced evidence suggests veterans stationed on Kiritimati – formerly known as Christmas Island – were exposed to higher levels of radiation than the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has acknowledged.
The newspaper cited a 2014 whistleblower document linked to a Freedom of Information request involving the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).
The report allegedly identified contamination near water supplies and low-level radiation in fish caught around the island, contradicting decades of official assurances.
John Morris, who was deployed to Christmas Island during his national service in the 1960s, is among those calling for action.
New evidence suggests veterans stationed on Kiritimati were exposed to higher levels of radiation than previously acknowledged
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He said: “I always knew we were surrounded by radiation, but to finally be vindicated after decades is like winning the lottery and losing the ticket at the same time.
“In opposition, Keir Starmer told us: ‘Your campaign is our campaign’ well, now our scandal is his scandal, and it’s up to him to fix it.”
Law firm McCue Jury, which represents hundreds of nuclear test veterans and their families, has written to the Prime Minister calling for a tribunal of inquiry.
The firm believes such a tribunal would help accelerate justice for the ageing veterans.
Lawyers representing the servicemen are now demanding the Prime Minister pursue justice
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Lawyers have also urged ministers to launch criminal investigations into anyone who may have been involved in suppressing evidence.
Jason McCue, senior partner at McCue Jury, said: “This is not a minor blunder, but a constitutional crisis to make us all weep.”
He continued: “If it is not remedied effectively and with haste, it will show UK government is broken and politicians don’t care enough to fix it.”
Defence Secretary John Healey has launched an investigation into the possible cover-up of the long-term consequences of veterans’ health after the British atomic tests.
Defence Secretary John Healey has launched an investigation into the possible cover-up
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He has requested officials review records and is expanding eligibility for the Nuclear Test Medal as campaigners demand compensation.
A spokesman for the MoD said: “The document referred to is an unfinished draft and never finalised.
“It was not tasked by AWE or the MoD and as such, is not a formal company record.
“We recognise the huge contribution that Nuclear Test Veterans have made to national security.
“This Government is committed to working with veterans and listening to their concerns.”