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Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Friday, 11 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Monday, 21 July 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Radiation Exposure

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to seek a Royal reception with His Majesty the King to honour nuclear testing veterans.

Answer

This Government has reset the relationship with nuclear test veterans and the organisations that support them, and we remain committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them.

As of 30 June 2025, officials have reviewed over 43,000 files, including files from the Merlin Database, as part of the exercise that is looking at concerns raised with me about some Nuclear Test Veterans’ medical records. I will update the House when we are in a position to share the findings of the exercise.

This Government continues to celebrate the stories of our nuclear veterans. Most recently the Universities of South Wales and Liverpool led a government-funded oral history project which was published in early July.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment specifically on Royal receptions, which are matters for The Royal Household.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
66893
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Radiation exposure Charles III, King Testing Veterans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk