In 2006, I received a call from Craig Prescott seeking help to unravel the injustices surrounding his late father, Roy. Roy, a participant in nuclear weapons testing, passed away at 66 without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence’s denial of liability. Despite his efforts, justice eluded Roy. Craig’s persistence led to a successful appeal for a widow’s pension for his mother, shedding light on the disparity between British and American compensation for troops involved in the tests.
My background as a defense reporter in Plymouth equipped me with insights into the MoD’s operations and nuclear hazards. Craig’s dedication to seeking justice in his father’s memory was remarkable and inspiring. The Mirror had been advocating for veterans since 1984, when concerns about health issues among former soldiers emerged. The tireless efforts of campaigners like Richard Stott and Paul Foot raised awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and their families.
Roy was among 500 Royal Engineers who participated in Cold War weapon trials, alongside thousands of other British and Commonwealth troops. Reports of severe health issues, including cancers and birth defects, emerged among these veterans, echoing similar findings from nuclear disaster sites like Chernobyl. Legal battles ensued, with the veterans’ quest for recognition and compensation met with bureaucratic hurdles and legal challenges.
Years of perseverance and mounting evidence eventually led to a breakthrough in the form of a campaign for a commemorative medal for the veterans. The Mirror supported this cause, which culminated in the long-awaited announcement of the medal by Rishi Sunak at a memorial event. While the medal symbolized acknowledgment for the veterans, its delivery in a nondescript manner drew criticism for its lack of official recognition.
The medal campaign reignited interest in the veteran community, unearthing crucial documents that corroborated the veterans’ claims of being subjects of human experiments during the nuclear tests. Revelations from declassified records sparked a wider investigation, known as the Nuked Blood Scandal, triggering a ministerial inquiry and a comprehensive review by law enforcement agencies.
As the campaign for justice continues, my tenure at the Mirror comes to a close. I extend my gratitude to the readers and colleagues who have supported our journalistic endeavors over the past 13 years.