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Written question asked by Emily Thornberry (Labour) on Monday, 28 September 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 September 2020. It was answered by Johnny Mercer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 October 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Compensation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications of the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill for Brunel University’s Cytogenetic Assessment of British Nuclear Test Veterans and their Offspring and the terms of the rights of those offspring to make claims for compensation from his Department on the basis of the findings of that assessment.

Answer

Nuclear Test Veterans who believe they have suffered ill health due to their service have the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pensions Scheme.

The limitation longstops in Part 2 of the Overseas Operations Bill will apply only to tort claims for personal injury and death, and claims under the Human Rights Act, in relation to overseas operations, which are brought after the provisions come into force. The six-year limitation longstops will therefore have no impact on claims under the War Pensions scheme, which includes disablement and death benefits.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
96019
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Compensation Families Radiation Testing Brunel University London Veterans
Legislation
Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-21
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk