Families of nuclear test vets sought

May 5 2009 by Phil Doherty, The Journal

DESCENDANTS of servicemen who took part in the British nuclear tests are being sought for a major study into their health.

The British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association need as many children and grandchildren as possible to take part in the Ministry of Defence research to see if they have suffered genetic damage from radiation.

This follows promises by Veterans Minister and North MP Kevan Jones to address the long-term concerns of servicemen that their children have been damaged indirectly by the bomb tests in the 1950s and 60s.

John Lowe, BNTVA Chairman, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, said: “We are looking for any children or grandchildren of those who took part in these tests so they can be included in the MoD study.

“We would like to hear from those families whose father or grandfather is not a member of the association to counter any allegation of bias. This study is not about compensation but is being held to see what is wrong with our descendants and to make sure they get the proper treatment that they deserve.”

The study by the MoD will also look for genetic damage to the veterans and follows a major New Zealand research that showed their nuclear test servicemen were effected physically by their exposure to radiation. Up to 20,000 British servicemen and their Commonwealth counterparts took part in a range of atomic and nuclear bomb tests on Christmas Island in the Pacific and Montebello Island, Maralinga and Emu Island in Australia.

According to the BNTVA, descendants of veterans are more likely to be born with disabilities and birth defects.

For decades the MoD denied there was a problem but the New Zealand study undermined this position.

To contact the BNTVA email bntva.g2@googlemail.com  or visit their website at www.bntva.com