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Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Radiation Exposure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which the disclosure of a restricted 2014 report into nuclear fallout contamination and subsequent suppression of the evidence thereof calls into question the evidence presented to the courts in the litigation preceding the judgment in Ministry of Defence v AB and others [2012] UKSC 9.

Answer

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We recognise their service and the huge contribution they made to the UK’s security. This Government has reset the relationship with nuclear test veterans and the organisations that support them. We remain committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them.

During a House of Commons debate last week, the Minister for Veterans and People reiterated the government’s commitment to maximum transparency and made a commitment to undertake work to fully understand the implications of the 2014 report and its handling, and to take action if necessary (Hansard, HC Deb, 25 March 2026, vol 783, col 377).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15690
Session
2024-26
Attachment
Louise Sandher-Jones 25 March 2026 Column 377
Subjects
Nuclear weapons Radiation exposure Testing Veterans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk