In 2006, I received a call from Craig Prescott seeking assistance to comprehend the unsettling state of affairs in the world. Craig shared the story of his late father, Roy, a former Royal Engineer who had been compelled to participate in nuclear weapons testing but tragically passed away without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence’s denial of responsibility. Craig’s persistence in advocating for his father’s justice was truly inspiring.
The issue at hand revealed a disparity between British and American treatment of their troops involved in nuclear tests. While the American government compensated its veterans, the British counterparts were left unsupported. The Mirror had been championing the cause of these veterans since 1984, shedding light on the health issues and challenges faced by the servicemen and their families.
Roy was among the many Royal Engineers who partook in Cold War weapon trials, experiencing alarming health consequences such as uncommon cancers, high miscarriage rates, and genetic issues in their offspring. Subsequent research from New Zealand corroborated the genetic damage suffered by test veterans, akin to those at Chernobyl.
The veterans’ pursuit for acknowledgment and justice led to a legal battle that unfolded in the High Court, with the Ministry of Defence contesting the claims made by the aging veterans. Despite the emotional turmoil and setbacks faced by the veterans and their families, their perseverance bore fruit in 2018 with the initiation of a campaign for a commemorative medal. The Mirror actively supported their cause, culminating in the official announcement of the medal by Rishi Sunak at a poignant memorial event.
The award of the medal, though symbolically significant, was marred by a lack of personalized engraving and the unceremonious delivery method. While the veterans appreciated the gesture, some expressed disappointment at the manner in which it was presented.
The medal campaign unearthed new evidence, including confidential documents detailing the irregularities and experiments conducted on the servicemen. This revelation sparked further investigation, leading to the exposure of the Nuked Blood Scandal, prompting governmental inquiries and legal actions.
The unfolding scandal, now known as the Nuked Blood Scandal, has triggered a seismic shift in the quest for truth and justice for the affected veterans. The release of classified documents and ongoing investigations signify a turning point in the acknowledgment of the veterans’ sacrifices and the need for accountability.
As I bid farewell to my tenure at the Mirror, I express gratitude to the readers and the dedicated team behind the scenes who have supported and facilitated the coverage of this important issue over the past 13 years.