Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to establish a public inquiry on the effects of nuclear testing between 1952 and 1967 on veterans.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK Nuclear testing programme. Almost 5,000 Nuclear Test Medals have now been issued to recognise the service of those who worked on the programme, along with other activity including a Government-funded oral history project.

The Defence Secretary has, as a priority, asked officials to review the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal and this work is underway. I have met with representatives of the nuclear test veteran community and am committed to continuing that engagement to consider the concerns raised, including looking into questions raised on medical records.