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WorldVeterans of nuclear tests to receive medals as a result of the campaign

Date:

Veterans of nuclear tests to receive medals as a result of the campaign

After years of campaigning, veterans who took part in the UK’s nuclear testing programme will be awarded a new medal.

Around 22,000 veterans will be eligible for the Nuclear Test Medal, which was created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the first test.

According to Downing Street, the award recognises the contributions of veterans, scientists, and local employees from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Kiribati.

On Monday, a memorial service will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The announcement comes after several years of campaigning by organisations such as the Labrats International charity for the recognition of atomic test survivors.

Alan Owen, who founded the charity for atomic test survivors, was inspired after his father James, from Cheltenham, took part in the nuclear testing on Christmas Island in 1962 when he was 21.

His father died from heart conditions at the age of 52 in 1994, but Mr Owen kept campaigning over the years for veterans to be honoured with a medal for their services.

He said: “It’s great the government is starting to recognise the veterans.

“For me it is going to be an emotional day because I will be representing him and my sister will be there and we will be laying flowers in his memory.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the medals as “an enduring symbol of our country’s gratitude” for those involved in the test programme.

He said: “Their commitment and service has preserved peace for the past 70 years, and it is only right their contribution to our safety, freedom and way of life is appropriately recognised with this honour.”

The prime minister will join Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace as families commemorate veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum event in Staffordshire on Monday.

Mr Mercer said: “This medal honours those who served far from home, at a crucial time in our nation’s history.”

Those who worked under UK command during tests between 1952 and 1967 will be able to apply for the medal.

It can also be awarded posthumously to veterans’ families.

Downing Street said the first awards will be made next year.

It represents an about turn for the government, which previously said those who took part in the nuclear tests would not be eligible for a medal.

A spokeswoman said last year: “While it falls outside the criteria for medallic recognition, this in no way diminishes the contribution of those service personnel who witnessed the UK’s nuclear tests.”

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