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Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Friday, 24 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. It was answered by Louise Sandher-Jones (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 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 compensate British servicemen who took part in sampling missions through Soviet mushroom clouds in 1961 and 1962.

Answer

This Government has no current plans to develop a specific compensation scheme for Nuclear Test Veterans or their families, including those who took part in sampling missions through Soviet mushroom clouds in 1961 and 1962.


Service personnel and Veterans who believe they were negatively impacted by their service can apply for compensation through the existing War Pensions Scheme (WPS). The WPS is a no-fault scheme for Service personnel disabled or killed due to injury or illness caused or worsened by service before April 6, 2005. There is no time limit for claiming, however if a claim is made more than seven years after termination of service, the claimant is granted the benefit of doubt when there is uncertainty about whether the disablement is linked to or worsened by their service. Factors such as being on operations or in a hazardous environment can support a service-related claim. Historical records, including medical records, will be reviewed to establish a causal link to service for Veterans seeking compensation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
84904
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Compensation Nuclear weapons Radiation exposure Testing USSR Veterans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk