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Written question asked by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Radiation Exposure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have received any information in the past two years about the health impacts on UK service men and women exposed to nuclear bomb testing in the Pacific in the 1950s.

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. Since taking office, we have worked hard to listen, collaborate and work more closely with the nuclear test veteran community and to operate to a principle of maximum transparency.

I am aware of the concerns raised by some nuclear test veterans regarding the health impacts of their service and access to medical records. The government is keen to engage with that issue head on. Ministers commissioned officials to look at what information may be held by the Department in relation to the medical testing of Service personnel who took part in the UK nuclear weapons tests. This work is now nearing completion, and I will update the House in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL851
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Nuclear weapons Radiation exposure Testing Veterans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk