Boris Johnson has used his final time as Prime Minister to call for a medal to be created for Britain's nuclear test veterans. His words were seen as a victory for The Mirror, which has campaigned for the vets to be honoured.
Campaigners have been fighting for justice for the Cold War soldiers, who were part of a secret radiation experiment, which took place in the US, Australia and the South Pacific between 1952 and 1991. The experiments intentionally exposed thousands of servicemen to nuclear fallout.
Along with supporting the creation of a medal for the veterans, Mr Johnon also promised funds for a national commemoration of the Plutonium Jubilee next month. He said the country's mistreatment heroes had created a "formidable shield" which kept millions of people safe.
In an open letter to those affected by the Cold War radiation experiments, Mr Johnson offered his "profound thanks". However, he stopped short of giving an apology, which the veterans had demanded.
He said: “You forged and perfected our country’s protective shield and then made certain that it worked. Today, 67 million people in the UK - and our NATO allies - live in the safety that you helped to provide.”
He went on: “I was privileged to be the first PM to meet some of you in person. Hearing your accounts first-hand, I’m determined that your achievements will never be forgotten.”
Mr Johnson's spokesman said: “The PM will write to veterans of the UK’s nuclear testing programme today announcing that he has commissioned an oral history to memorialise their service. He will also announce that the UK will mark the 70th anniversary of the first UK nuclear test and provide funds for schemes to remember the sacrifices of nuclear test veterans. The PM has also asked that the government looks again at the case for medallic recognition and will tell the veterans in his letter that it is his firm belief that the group deserves such an honour.”
Mr Johnson did meet families affected by the Cold War experiments in June but he failed to create medals for them. After the meeting, he ordered the medal committee to take a look at the case for a gong. However, when he was forced to resign his work was thrown into doubt. Liz Truss, who will soon become PM, has said she supports the move.
A recent study from the Government proved that the men who were involved in the radiation experiments were more likely to die from cancer. Their children also had 10 times the normal rate of birth defects.
Mr Johnson was inspired to continue his efforts to have the servicemen honoured after meeting test veterans with the Mirror, No 10 confirmed. The PM’s spokesman said: “He was struck by the conversations he had with the veterans and wanted to recognise their contribution and felt strongly that this was the right thing to do.”
