Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has called on the Government to do more to support nuclear test veterans and their descendants.
Gwynne’s intervention comes on the 70th anniversary of Operation Hurricane, the first British Nuclear test.
Atomic testing in the UK began in 1952. 45 nuclear tests were carried out, with devastating effects on service personnel and their families.
Veterans present at the tests have died from unexplained pancreatic damage, numerous brain tumours and many were left sterile. Families of servicemen have been found to suffer with ten times the usual rates of birth defects.
Gwynne has long called on the Government to issue an apology to nuclear test veterans, recognise their contribution, and provide proper targeted support to those affected.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“Today is the 70th anniversary of Operation Hurricane. For 70 years veterans and their families have suffered extraordinary hardship as a result of this operation.
“Despite the Prime Minister promising in August to support to Nuclear Test Veterans, the Government has still not grasped the suffering visited upon brave veterans and their relatives.
“The Government needs to do much more, and give veterans the support and recognition they deserve.”