A Prestatyn man who has been involved in the campaign for medallic recognition for veterans and civilian staff who participated in Britain's nuclear testing programme, has welcomed news that HM Government is embarking on a programme of recognition to commemorate the contributions of both veterans and civilian staff.
It was recently announced that, seventy years since the first test, the Government is undertaking the programme of recognition to commemorate the contributions of all Service personnel and civilians who took park in the UK's - and later US' - nuclear testing programmes in Australia and the Pacific.
Steve Purse, whose father was a veteran who participated in the nuclear testing programme, has been campaigning for such recognition and described the launch of the medallic recognition programme as "wonderful news" when Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies contacted him about it.
James said:
"It is important that the contributions of all Service personnel and civilians are commemorated properly, and medallic recognition is an important element of this. That is why the Prime Minister, along with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, have announced a new medal to honour the significant contribution of veterans and civilian staff from across the Commonwealth, who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme. It is estimated that around 22,000 veterans will be eligible for medallic recognition.
"The medal can be awarded posthumously. Veterans, their families and next of kin will need to apply for the medal, which will be free of charge. It is expected that the first awards of the medals will be made this year.
"Steve was heavily involved in this as part of the LABRATS campaign strategic planning group and met Boris Johnson when he was Prime Minister to discuss it. He has spoken at many events and engaged with the media regarding this cause. He also spoke at the National Memorial Arboretum shortly after the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, spoke to announce the awarding of the medal."
Welcoming the medallic recognition, Steve said:
"This Conservative government have righted a wrong and recognised those who served at our Nuclear Weapons Testing Programme. I will be forever grateful for this. However, this is the start of a number of projects we have planned and we will be working with the Office of Veterans Affairs in the future. Johnny Mercer MP and the PM have agreed to sit down with us and talk about the next steps."
James added:
"I wish to thank Steve for all his dedicated hard work on this. I am delighted that those, like Steve's father, who so bravely served will now receive this medallic recognition.
"I look forward to supporting Steve in any way that I can for the future projects LABRATS have planned."
To further recognise the contribution of veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests, the Government is investing £450,000 into projects which will commemorate and build further understanding of the experiences of nuclear test veterans. As part of that funding, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is launching an oral history project to chronicle the voices and experiences of those who supported the UK’s effort to develop a nuclear deterrent.
