A man who was exposed to nuclear tests in the 1950s has said Andy Burnham has finally given him “hope” of getting justice.
John Morris, of Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was 18 when he was sent to Christmas Island in the Pacific, where bombs were detonated in a series of infamous tests conducted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Many veterans suffered serious medical problems afterwards and have now called for the new prime minister to fast-track an independent inquiry.
Burnham has repeatedly backed their cause after some of the 22,000 military personnel claimed they were used as guinea pigs but the MoD said compensation is available through the War Pensions Scheme.
Now 88, Morris is part of a group of veterans who have lodged a criminal complaint against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) saying they are “devastated at the way veterans are being denied justice”.
But it is Burnham’s appointment that has given Morris hope as he claims the PM backs a judicial review.
In 2025, when Burnham was mayor of Greater Manchester, he said it was his view that there was “clear evidence of misconduct in public office and, following the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the investigation of it can wait no longer”.