In 2006, I received a call from Craig Prescott seeking assistance in uncovering the injustices surrounding his father, Roy. Roy, a participant in nuclear weapons testing, passed away at the age of 66 without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence’s denial of responsibility. Three months later, Craig successfully fought for a widow’s pension for his mother, shedding light on the disparity between British and American compensations for troops involved in the tests.
Having previously worked as a defense reporter in Plymouth, I understood the inner workings of the MoD and had knowledge of nuclear hazards. Craig’s determination to seek justice for his father was both inspiring and contagious.
Since 1984, The Mirror has been advocating for veterans, with investigative reporter Paul Foot first highlighting the health issues faced by former soldiers post-testing. The veterans’ plight gained momentum, leading to a High Court case where MoD lawyers contested the veterans’ claims. Despite the legal battles, the veterans persisted, unearthing new evidence and fighting for recognition in the form of a medal.
After years of campaigning and government scrutiny, a commemorative medal was finally announced by Rishi Sunak, providing a sense of acknowledgment to the veterans who had long been neglected. The medal, though symbolic, was received with mixed feelings due to its presentation in a casual manner, evoking disappointment among some veterans.
The medal initiative rejuvenated the veteran community, leading to the discovery of classified documents exposing the “Nuked Blood Scandal.” This revelation sparked a series of investigations, including a ministerial inquiry and a police review, unveiling a trove of evidence related to the nuclear testing and its aftermath.
As the Nuked Blood Scandal unfolds, the pursuit of truth and justice continues, marking the end of my column with The Mirror. I extend my gratitude to the readers and my colleagues for their support and dedication over the past 13 years.