Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help support (a) veterans and (b) their families who have experienced ill health as a result of exposure to radiation while on active service.

This Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We recognise their Service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK's security.

Nuclear test veterans who believe they have suffered ill health due to service have the existing and long standing right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pensions Scheme.

I continue to meet regularly with nuclear test veterans and their families, as well as Parliamentarians and organisations that represent them, to discuss a range of topics relating to their experiences and issues.