In 2006, I received a call from Craig Prescott seeking assistance to unravel the injustices surrounding his father, Roy. Roy, a participant in nuclear weapons testing, passed away without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence’s denial of responsibility. Despite his efforts, Craig managed to secure a widow’s pension for his mother. The issue at hand was that while American troops involved in the tests received compensation, British veterans like Roy did not.
Having previously worked as a defense reporter, I was familiar with the inner workings of the MoD and the associated nuclear risks. Craig’s determination to seek justice for his father left a lasting impression on me.
The Mirror had been advocating for veterans since 1984 after reports emerged of former soldiers experiencing health issues linked to their service in nuclear tests. The persistence of individuals like Craig and the support from publications like the Mirror shed light on the plight of veterans.
Roy was among the many British and Commonwealth service members exposed to nuclear blasts during the Cold War trials. Reports of health complications such as cancers and birth defects among these veterans raised concerns. Subsequent research revealed genetic damage comparable to that observed in Chernobyl clean-up workers.
Legal battles ensued as veterans sought recognition and compensation for their suffering. Despite facing challenges in court, the veterans’ perseverance fueled ongoing investigations and calls for acknowledgment. In 2018, a medal campaign was launched, culminating in the acknowledgment of veterans’ sacrifices through the issuance of commemorative medals.
While the medal symbolized recognition, its delivery in a seemingly disparaging manner stirred controversy among veterans. The campaign for justice not only united the veteran community but also uncovered incriminating evidence of unethical human experiments conducted during the nuclear tests.
The revelation of classified documents triggered a larger inquiry known as the Nuked Blood Scandal, prompting government investigations and legal actions. The pursuit of truth and justice for the veterans remains ongoing, marking a significant chapter in the quest for accountability.
As my tenure with the Mirror concludes, I extend my gratitude to the readers and colleagues who have supported me throughout this journey.