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Written question asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Radiation Exposure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what criteria they used to award the Nuclear Test Medal; and what nuclear tests are eligible for an award.

Answer

The Nuclear Test Medal is awarded to recognise service connected with the United Kingdom's nuclear testing programme between 1952 and 1967 and those personnel who took part in subsequent operations to monitor atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by other nations. The criteria have been expanded to now include all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, and UK personnel who were deployed from the UK in support of monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests. Nearly 6,000 veterans (or awarded posthumously to the next of kin of eligible individuals) have received their Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service.

To qualify, individuals must have served at designated operational locations during the relevant periods, including participation in the UK nuclear test programme, support to US atmospheric nuclear tests under Operations BAGPIPES and DOMINIC, or deployment from the UK to monitor French and Chinese atmospheric nuclear tests. Eligibility is assessed against the published criteria, which specify the qualifying operations, locations, roles and periods of service required for the award.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3602
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Nuclear weapons Radiation exposure Medals Testing Veterans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk