UK's nuclear test veterans a step closer to being recognised after 70-year fight

15 February 2023 , 19:52

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Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer (Image: GETTY)

Nuclear veterans will soon be able to apply for their long-awaited medal.

Seven decades of fighting for official recognition will come to an end with delivery of the medal, which was announced in November after a four-year Mirror campaign.

Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said: “To this day, the nuclear deterrent remains the cornerstone of our defence and that is substantially due to the service of the brilliant nuclear test veterans.

“It is only right that we support and recognise them.

Mercer speaks to Nuclear test veterans Eric Barton and Ed McGrath (PA)

“In the coming weeks we’ll be publishing information on how veterans and their next of kin can apply for the Nuclear Test Medal.”

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Organisations can bid for up to £70,000 each from a fund set aside to educate people about the nuclear tests in a variety of projects.

Susie Boniface