In 2006, I received a call from Craig Prescott seeking assistance to unravel the injustices surrounding his father, Roy. Roy, a participant in nuclear weapons testing, passed away without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence’s denial of liability. Despite Craig’s efforts, justice eluded Roy until Craig successfully secured a widow’s pension for his mother. The underlying issue was the differential treatment between British and American troops involved in the tests, with the former being denied compensation.
Having previously covered defense matters in Plymouth, I was well-versed in MoD operations and nuclear hazards. Craig’s relentless pursuit for justice on behalf of his father was both admirable and inspiring. The Mirror had been advocating for veterans since 1984, shedding light on health issues faced by former soldiers due to their involvement in nuclear trials.
Roy was among 500 Royal Engineers who partook in Cold War weapon experiments, with thousands more experiencing similar health repercussions. Despite mounting evidence of health risks, the MoD contested claims made by veterans, leading to prolonged legal battles. Eventually, in 2018, a campaign for a medal for the veterans gained momentum, culminating in a medal announcement by Rishi Sunak.
While the medal brought a sense of recognition to the veterans, its delivery in a mundane manner sparked disappointment among some recipients. The campaign unearthed new evidence, including a 1958 memo revealing unsettling details about the experiments conducted on military personnel. Subsequent investigations exposed a scandal of significant proportions, prompting official inquiries and legal actions.
The Nuked Blood Scandal, as it came to be known, triggered a government inquiry and a criminal review, unveiling a trove of previously classified documents. This revelation marked a significant milestone in revealing the truth behind the veterans’ health issues. The fight for justice continues, with ongoing efforts to seek accountability for the past wrongdoings.
As I bid farewell to my column at the Mirror, I express gratitude to the readers and the dedicated team that supported the coverage of this pressing issue over the past 13 years.