The full eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal are available in the attached.

There is no official definition of the term British nuclear test veteran. Existing processes, including the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal, are considered sufficient for determining qualifying service for the relevant purpose. We have, however, taken a significant step in broadening recognition through the medal scheme by extending eligibility to all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as those deployed from the UK to support the monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests.

To date, nearly 6,000 veterans, or their next of kin where the veteran is deceased, have received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service. For further information on the criteria, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-test-medal-eligibility-criteria

There is no official definition of the term British nuclear test veteran. Existing processes, including the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal, are considered sufficient for determining qualifying service for the relevant purpose. We have, however, taken a significant step in broadening recognition through the medal scheme by extending eligibility to all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as those deployed from the UK to support the monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests.

To date, nearly 6,000 veterans, or their next of kin where the veteran is deceased, have received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service. For further information on the criteria, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-test-medal-eligibility-criteria

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.

All LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged due to the Ban can apply to the Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) for the Dismissed or Discharged Payment. LGBT veterans who were impacted in other ways under the Ban, including veterans who felt pressured to resign, can apply for an Impact Payment, which is determined by an Independent Panel. The Panel considers the applicant’s testimony, any supporting information, and any Service records.

For all applications made to the FRS, the burden of determining whether a fact or matter occurred lies with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) rather than the applicant. Unless the MOD finds evidence to contradict their testimony, the facts or experiences reported by an applicant will be accepted as taking place, if, on a balance of probabilities, they are more likely to have occurred than not. This approach recognises the historical issues relating to the retention and destruction of documentation and prevents applicants being disadvantaged due to records being incomplete through no fault of their own.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK's nuclear testing programme and recognises their service and the significant contribution they made to the nation's security.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold information on how many British military personnel who participated in the UK's nuclear weapons testing programme are currently alive. It is estimated that around 22,000 Service personnel and civilians participated in the UK's nuclear testing programme between 1952 and 1967.

There is no dedicated compensation scheme for Nuclear Test Veterans and their families. However, veterans who believe they have suffered ill health as a result of their service may apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pension Scheme, provided they served before 6 April 2005.

War Pensions may be awarded for illness or injury caused by service in the Armed Forces, with the benefit of reasonable doubt given to the claimant. Claims are assessed on the basis of available service and medical evidence, medically certified, and carry a full right of appeal to an independent tribunal.

Arrangements and support for nuclear test veterans in other countries, including the United States and France, are matters for those governments.

In the United Kingdom, veterans who believe they have suffered ill health as a result of their service may apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pension Scheme, provided they served before 6 April 2005. Claims are considered on the basis of the available service and medical evidence, with the benefit of reasonable doubt given to the claimant, and decisions carry a full right of appeal to an independent tribunal.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to the more than 22,000 Service personnel, scientists and civilians whose contributions helped safeguard the nation's security.

The Government has carefully considered concerns raised regarding the handling of records relating to the UK nuclear testing programme. To address long-standing questions from nuclear test veterans about blood and urine testing policies, an extensive records discovery exercise was commissioned and completed, examining tens of thousands of documents held by the Ministry of Defence.

The exercise found no evidence of intentional concealment of medical records. The findings were published along with an accompanying Written Ministerial Statement on 15 July 2026.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to the more than 22,000 Service personnel, scientists and civilians whose contributions helped safeguard the nation's security.

The Government has carefully considered concerns raised regarding the handling of records relating to the UK nuclear testing programme. To address long-standing questions from nuclear test veterans about blood and urine testing policies, an extensive records discovery exercise was commissioned and completed, examining tens of thousands of documents held by the Ministry of Defence.

The exercise found no evidence of intentional concealment of medical records. The findings were published along with an accompanying Written Ministerial Statement on 15 July 2026.

The government publishes rough sleeping management information, including data on the nationality of people sleeping rough, how many people sleeping rough have left the armed forces within the last 85 days and the number of people sleeping rough over the course of the month who have moved into accommodation, as well as the number of people sleeping rough over the course of the month who had previously moved into settled accommodation. You can access the latest data on gov.uk here.

As well as this, the government’s analytical annex to our National Plan to End Homelessness includes research about the causes of rough sleeping, which you can find on gov.uk here.

We are continuing to work with the Home Office on progressing policy and scope to deliver this commitment in a way that is fair, comprehensive and achievable.

Equinity is a sub-contractor of Sopra Steria and pays approximately 477,000 Armed Forces Pensions annually on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. 335 individuals were overpaid a total of £5.1 million, owing to National Insurance (NI) abatement calculation errors by the paying agent Equinity. This represents a small proportion of payments and are not reflective of the overall payment service provided.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) exercises oversight through established governance, contract management, assurance and audit arrangements. These include contractual performance monitoring, regular service reporting, quality assurance activity undertaken by the service providers, independent assurance reviews commissioned by the Authority, and external scrutiny through established audit processes. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is also subject to review by the Government Internal Audit Agency and examination by the National Audit Office as part of wider governance, risk and assurance arrangements. Following identification of the National Insurance abatement issue, additional oversight arrangements were introduced to monitor corrective activity, review root causes, validate proposed corrections, track progress against remediation plans and strengthen preventative and detective controls designed to reduce the risk of similar issues arising in future.

The MOD first identified that there was a potential issue relating to the application of National Insurance abatements in November 2024. Further extensive work was subsequently undertaken to establish the full extent of the issue, determine the affected population and validate individual cases before corrective action could commence. Corrective activity commenced following identification of the affected population, completion of calculation and assurance activity, and approval of the proposed corrective approach. Revision of affected awards and notification of individuals commenced in January 2026.

We recognise that this situation may cause uncertainty for those affected and continue to provide comprehensive one-to-one welfare support from Veterans Services Welfare managers. Anyone who believes repayment may not be possible, or could cause financial hardship should contact the Ministry of Defence using the details provide in their letters.

Individuals can make a defence against recovery based on an assessment of their personal circumstances. Guidance on valid reasons for disputing repayment can be found in Managing Public Money - Annex 4.11. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money

Equinity is a sub-contractor of Sopra Steria and pays approximately 477,000 Armed Forces Pensions annually on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. 335 individuals were overpaid a total of £5.1 million, owing to National Insurance (NI) abatement calculation errors by the paying agent Equinity. This represents a small proportion of payments and are not reflective of the overall payment service provided.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) exercises oversight through established governance, contract management, assurance and audit arrangements. These include contractual performance monitoring, regular service reporting, quality assurance activity undertaken by the service providers, independent assurance reviews commissioned by the Authority, and external scrutiny through established audit processes. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is also subject to review by the Government Internal Audit Agency and examination by the National Audit Office as part of wider governance, risk and assurance arrangements. Following identification of the National Insurance abatement issue, additional oversight arrangements were introduced to monitor corrective activity, review root causes, validate proposed corrections, track progress against remediation plans and strengthen preventative and detective controls designed to reduce the risk of similar issues arising in future.

The MOD first identified that there was a potential issue relating to the application of National Insurance abatements in November 2024. Further extensive work was subsequently undertaken to establish the full extent of the issue, determine the affected population and validate individual cases before corrective action could commence. Corrective activity commenced following identification of the affected population, completion of calculation and assurance activity, and approval of the proposed corrective approach. Revision of affected awards and notification of individuals commenced in January 2026.

We recognise that this situation may cause uncertainty for those affected and continue to provide comprehensive one-to-one welfare support from Veterans Services Welfare managers. Anyone who believes repayment may not be possible, or could cause financial hardship should contact the Ministry of Defence using the details provide in their letters.

Individuals can make a defence against recovery based on an assessment of their personal circumstances. Guidance on valid reasons for disputing repayment can be found in Managing Public Money - Annex 4.11. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money

The Ministry of Defence is currently processing Cash Equivalent Value (CEV) requests received in April 2026. For members with more complex circumstances, and for pensioner Remedy cases where implementation of the guidance is still being finalised, the request date being processed may be earlier than April 2026.

The legislative deadline for all schemes is that CEVs should be provided to members within three months of the request. We are aware this is being exceeded at present in some cases. Some cases are currently taking longer due to the impact of 2015 Pension Remedy and implementation of revised actuarial factors.

The Ministry of Defence is currently processing Cash Equivalent Value (CEV) requests received in April 2026. For members with more complex circumstances, and for pensioner Remedy cases where implementation of the guidance is still being finalised, the request date being processed may be earlier than April 2026.

The legislative deadline for all schemes is that CEVs should be provided to members within three months of the request. We are aware this is being exceeded at present in some cases. Some cases are currently taking longer due to the impact of 2015 Pension Remedy and implementation of revised actuarial factors.

To date, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) has paid out over £58 million to applicants, exceeding the £50 million minimum payout commitment. Defence continues to maximise awareness of the FRS among eligible veterans and encourage applications before the Scheme’s closure on 12 December 2026. The allocation of any unspent funds against the £75 million budget will be considered once the FRS has closed and all applications have been assessed.

As at 7 September 2026, Defence had received 1,184 applications for the Dismissed and Discharged Payment of £50,000, 1,435 applications for the Impact Payment of up to £20,000, and 1,203 applications for non-financial restorative measures, from both veterans and current Service personnel. Applicants may apply for more than one element of the scheme.

The Department does not maintain a running total of the number of patients receiving care across the full range of health services at any one time, and is not therefore in a position to say how many are registered veterans. However, NHS England has introduced several bespoke services to improve healthcare support available to veterans. This includes Op RESTORE, Op COURAGE, and Op NOVA.

Equinity is a sub-contractor of Sopra Steria and pays approximately 477,000 Armed Forces Pensions annually on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. 335 individuals were overpaid a total of £5.1 million, owing to National Insurance (NI) abatement calculation errors by the paying agent Equinity. This represents a small proportion of payments and are not reflective of the overall payment service provided.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) exercises oversight through established governance, contract management, assurance and audit arrangements. These include contractual performance monitoring, regular service reporting, quality assurance activity undertaken by the service providers, independent assurance reviews commissioned by the Authority, and external scrutiny through established audit processes. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is also subject to review by the Government Internal Audit Agency and examination by the National Audit Office as part of wider governance, risk and assurance arrangements. Following identification of the National Insurance abatement issue, additional oversight arrangements were introduced to monitor corrective activity, review root causes, validate proposed corrections, track progress against remediation plans and strengthen preventative and detective controls designed to reduce the risk of similar issues arising in future.

The MOD first identified that there was a potential issue relating to the application of National Insurance abatements in November 2024. Further extensive work was subsequently undertaken to establish the full extent of the issue, determine the affected population and validate individual cases before corrective action could commence. Corrective activity commenced following identification of the affected population, completion of calculation and assurance activity, and approval of the proposed corrective approach. Revision of affected awards and notification of individuals commenced in January 2026.

We recognise that this situation may cause uncertainty for those affected and continue to provide comprehensive one-to-one welfare support from Veterans Services Welfare managers. Anyone who believes repayment may not be possible, or could cause financial hardship should contact the Ministry of Defence using the details provide in their letters.

Individuals can make a defence against recovery based on an assessment of their personal circumstances. Guidance on valid reasons for disputing repayment can be found in Managing Public Money - Annex 4.11. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money

Equinity is a sub-contractor of Sopra Steria and pays approximately 477,000 Armed Forces Pensions annually on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. 335 individuals were overpaid a total of £5.1 million, owing to National Insurance (NI) abatement calculation errors by the paying agent Equinity. This represents a small proportion of payments and are not reflective of the overall payment service provided.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) exercises oversight through established governance, contract management, assurance and audit arrangements. These include contractual performance monitoring, regular service reporting, quality assurance activity undertaken by the service providers, independent assurance reviews commissioned by the Authority, and external scrutiny through established audit processes. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is also subject to review by the Government Internal Audit Agency and examination by the National Audit Office as part of wider governance, risk and assurance arrangements. Following identification of the National Insurance abatement issue, additional oversight arrangements were introduced to monitor corrective activity, review root causes, validate proposed corrections, track progress against remediation plans and strengthen preventative and detective controls designed to reduce the risk of similar issues arising in future.

The MOD first identified that there was a potential issue relating to the application of National Insurance abatements in November 2024. Further extensive work was subsequently undertaken to establish the full extent of the issue, determine the affected population and validate individual cases before corrective action could commence. Corrective activity commenced following identification of the affected population, completion of calculation and assurance activity, and approval of the proposed corrective approach. Revision of affected awards and notification of individuals commenced in January 2026.

We recognise that this situation may cause uncertainty for those affected and continue to provide comprehensive one-to-one welfare support from Veterans Services Welfare managers. Anyone who believes repayment may not be possible, or could cause financial hardship should contact the Ministry of Defence using the details provide in their letters.

Individuals can make a defence against recovery based on an assessment of their personal circumstances. Guidance on valid reasons for disputing repayment can be found in Managing Public Money - Annex 4.11. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money

The Government remains fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitment to scrap visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served for four years or more, and their dependants. Home Office officials are continuing to work closely with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence on its implementation.

The Government will update Parliament on implementation in due course.

The Government is proud of the courage and dedication of our Armed Forces. It is our duty to ensure that those that have been injured whilst serving in the Armed Forces, whether physically or mentally, receive the very best possible care.

Local integrated care boards commission dementia healthcare services and are expected to deliver services based on local population needs, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

We will publish the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia to set a clear direction and a long-term blueprint to improve outcomes for people with dementia. It will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia.

We are engaging with a wide group of partners to understand what should be included to ensure the best outcomes for people living with frailty and dementia.

The Ministry of Defence wrote to the hon. Lady in March explaining the challenges associated with locating, accessing and searching TTCP information held in a variety of archives, both electronic and paper. Since sending that letter, the department has identified and examined a number of TTCP files to determine whether they are in scope of her enquiry. A review of these documents has found no mention of data pertaining to experiments on British Servicemen. Work is ongoing to identify and review other TTCP records for anything within scope. These activities are separate from efforts which were previously the subject of a Written Ministerial Statement, titled 'Nuclear Test Veterans Report', released in July.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) legal claims are subject to a formal legal process. It takes time to investigate each individual claim and to comply with the requirements of the courts and the Civil Procedure Rules. While it is not possible to provide a timeline, the MOD is committed to progressing cases as swiftly as possible and, where appropriate, reach settlement.

Operation Banner veterans served in Northern Ireland in the most difficult circumstances in order to preserve law and order and protect life. The vast majority did so with the utmost professionalism.

Operating under the rule of law is central to how our Armed Forces keep the UK safe at home and abroad, and there is no question of anyone being prosecuted for having lawfully followed the rules. It is also right that our Armed Forces are held to the highest standards - it is what sets them apart from the terrorists whose actions were never justified.

The Troubles Bill provides those veterans with effective and deliverable protections that the flawed Legacy Act never did, including protection from repeated investigations. The protections already included in the Bill will be further strengthened at Committee Stage when the Government table a package of amendments that respond directly to the concerns raised by veterans.

The Troubles Bill does not mandate the opening of any investigation. The primary route for the investigation of cases is the specific request of families seeking answers. This is exactly the same model as the previous government’s Legacy Act. Given this model, and the fact that 90% of Troubles-related deaths were caused by paramilitaries, this will be the overwhelming focus of the Commission’s work.

It is important to note that a significant proportion of live cases before the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery involve military victims.

Since our appointment, the Secretary of State and I have met many veterans and veterans organisations to hear their legitimate concerns that legacy issues are addressed in a way that is fair, balanced and proportionate, and will continue to do so.

As a result of this engagement, the Government will table a package of amendments ahead of Committee Stage that will strengthen the already considerable package of protections for veterans included in the Troubles Bill.

The Government will continue to engage closely with all stakeholders as we make progress on the Troubles Bill to ensure that it delivers effective legacy mechanisms that everybody can have confidence in.

The Government is committed to renewing the nation's contract with those who serve and have served, ensuring that veterans and their families can access the support they need, when and where they need it.

Last year, the Government launched its new Veterans Strategy, recognising veterans as a national asset and setting a new direction for how the nation supports those who have served. Alongside this, we announced the £50 million VALOUR programme, which will make it easier for veterans to access the care and support available to them.

The Ministry of Defence also provides tailored information, guidance and welfare support through Veterans Services and its network of case managers across the UK, helping veterans and their families navigate and access services, including support with housing.

To help veterans secure accommodation, the Government has removed local connection requirements for regular Armed Forces veterans applying for social housing in England and funding the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme to provide wraparound support across the UK. Veterans who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, can also access dedicated assistance through Op FORTITUDE.

The Government works closely with delivery partners to ensure veterans can access appropriate housing and wider support services. Veterans can also access specialist mental and physical healthcare through Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE, employment and career support through Op ASCEND and the Career Transition Partnership, and assistance for those in contact with, or at risk of contact with, the criminal justice system through Op NOVA.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) encourages personnel to consider their mental fitness as equally as important as their physical fitness promoting good mental resilience and mitigating the negative impacts of potential traumatic experiences.

The Department encourages early identification and intervention for those experiencing mental health challenges and actively promotes a culture where Personnel feel comfortable seeking help without stigma.

Personnel have access to a vast range of resources to support their mental health with both in-person and online options, briefings before, during, and post-deployment, a dedicated 24 hour phoneline for both personnel and their families and access to HeadFIT; an externally accessible website specifically designed for the Defence community. All Personnel, undertake a mandated annual mental fitness brief which provides information on mental health, wellbeing, stress management, and provides signposting to appropriate help.

Personnel who are experiencing a mental health disorder are managed clinically by Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC). DPHC provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. DPHC has introduced standardised training for primary care clinicians incorporating emerging digital interventions to ensure Personnel can access initial mental healthcare at any Defence medical centre, strengthening the initial management of mental health disorders within primary care settings.

Defence Mental Health Networks (DMHNs) are located across the UK and are improving access to specialist mental health services for Personnel. These specialist community mental health services provide enhanced access to expert assessment and treatment for those experiencing mental health disorders.

Defence Mental Health Services are subject to ongoing review and assurance to ensure that provision remains safe, effective, accessible and responsive to the needs of Service personnel. Service performance and quality are monitored through established governance and assurance arrangements, including Internal Assurance Reviews (IARs), which provide structured assessment of service delivery, clinical governance and compliance with required standards. Services are also subject to independent scrutiny by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with findings and recommendations used to inform continuous improvement.

Defence is committed to ensuring that Service Personnel receive the care and treatment required to ensure they are fit to fight and can fight back to fitness.

Veterans’ healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS; however, where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services works in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required.

In England, Op COURAGE provides a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists and veterans, with similar services available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Yes.

The Prime Minister has called for the whole of government to support his ambition to end rough sleeping, and we are working with all departments to ensure that no one has to sleep rough this winter.

This urgent drive will build on the work already underway through our National Plan to End Homelessness. That includes support for veterans, including an additional £12 million to vital homelessness services through the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme announced in November 2025.

We are also working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care to ensure that people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping can access the support they need, including addiction support. For 2026 to 2029, we have invested £185 million into the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment programme that will continue to fund evidence-based drug and alcohol treatment and wraparound support for people experiencing sleeping rough, or at risk.

Our new £442 million Rough Sleeping Programme is funding local areas to expand accommodation provision for people sleeping rough, alongside tailored support to address the issues that contribute to rough sleeping. This may include accommodation, support to access mental health or substance use services, help to access employment or training, help to access or maintain accommodation, or other support tailored to individual circumstances.

As of 2 September 2026, 165 veterans in the Darlington area have applied for and been issued with a digital HM Armed Forces Veterans Card.

The Ministry of Defence is currently funding independent legal representation for 13 former members of the Armed Forces in relation to Troubles-related investigations, inquests and prosecutions.

The 2022 census reported in Hamilton and Clyde, that there were 2,551 people who had previously served in the UK armed forces. Health is devolved across the UK, and as such systems differ in the Devolved Governments, with Scotland having their own mental health support provision for veterans.

In November 2025, the Government published its 10-year Veterans Strategy, setting a new vision that recognises veterans as one of the UK's great strategic assets. Applying across the UK and spanning government, business and wider society, the strategy aims to ensure every veteran is celebrated for their service, empowered to fulfil their potential, and supported where needed, while recognising that most are better off for having served.

This Government has launched VALOUR, a new system designed to make it easier for veterans across the UK, including in Scotland, to access the care and support, including the provision of mental health support. VALOUR Recognised Centres will provide access to a range of services, while a network of Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers and local authorities to improve coordination and collaboration. A central VALOUR HQ within the MOD will use data and insight to help ensure services are responsive to veterans' needs and local priorities.