Calls for Burnham to deliver justice for veterans on International Day against Nuclear Testing

Campaigners have joined forces with veterans organisations to call on the Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver justice for nuclear test veterans, on the UN’s International Day against Nuclear Testing (29 August).

In a statement marking the 2026 observation of the International Day against Nuclear Testing, UN secretary-general António Guterres said: 

This day reminds us of the devastating consequences of nuclear testing – lessons humanity has learned through bitter experience.

It is a time to reflect on the victims and survivors of nuclear testing, whose lives, lands and descendants have been scarred by nuclear explosions. Their suffering is not history. It is a warning. At this moment of geopolitical tension, division and distrust, it is more important than ever that we heed that warning.

The UK Government conducted dozens of nuclear weapons tests in Australia and the South Pacific in the 1950s and 1960s.

According to the BBC Two documentary, Britain’s Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story:

39,000 British and Commonwealth servicemen witnessed 45 atomic and hydrogen bombs and hundreds of radioactive experiments.

Veterans, their families, campaigners and politicians have spent decades working to establish the truth about the impact of the tests and to seek proper accountability from the government.

Before becoming Prime Minister, Burnham was a long-time campaigner for justice for the British veterans of the country’s nuclear weapons testing programme. 

Nuclear test veterans group hopeful scandal will be ended by Burnham

LABRATS (Legacy of the Atomic Bomb, Atomic Test Survivors) is a UK-based organisation, which: 

promotes the work of the individuals and organisations who represent the atomic and nuclear test communities across the world. Hundreds of thousands of people are directly affected by the atomic and nuclear testing program across the world.

The organisation explains:

Millions were exposed to fallout from the testing program and families suffer today from illness and deformities caused by the tests.

We aim to provide information relating to the tests and expose the injustice of the veterans who took part in the testing program. Many are no longer alive today. Families who suffer the consequences of the tests.

The participants of the testing program were lab rats or guinea pigs. Used in experiments to test the effects of nuclear warfare, with no regard for the indigenous people, their lands or their lives.

LABRATS founder Alan Owen told the Canary:

Since becoming PM, we have had meetings with Number 10 officials and are progressing the issue of justice for the nuclear test veterans, we are in contact with his team and are hopeful that we can publish the recommendations which should have accompanied the missing medical records report and instigate a special tribunal. 

Andy has been very vocal in his support for us and we are told that he is committed to ensuring that the scandal is ended under him, we are awaiting meetings with the defence secretary and will continue to campaign until the community receive the truth and justice they deserve.

Compensation and recognition sought for nuclear test veterans by veterans group and CND

Sasha Misra, head of public affairs and policy at Help for Heroes, told the Canary: 

We recognise the new Prime Minister’s longstanding campaigning on behalf of nuclear test veterans and families and his recent endorsement of a special tribunal in parliament. 

Veterans and their families continue to face the devastating long-term health impacts of radiation exposure, yet they have never received appropriate recognition or compensation. We urge the Prime Minister to ensure his government acts without delay and establishes a fair compensation scheme to support those affected.

A Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament spokesperson told the Canary:

Britain’s own shameful legacy of nuclear testing still needs to be addressed. Before becoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham championed the cause of Britain’s nuclear test veterans and their families. 

For decades they have been fighting the government’s attempts to whitewash its responsibility for the multi-generational impacts on their health and wellbeing. CND supports their calls for a Truth, Justice and Legacy Special Tribunal and for compensation.

There appears to be every reason to expect that Burnham will use his newly acquired powers as Prime Minister to finally issue a government apology, the full truth and compensation to the victims of the UK’s nuclear testing programme. 

At a time of increased nuclear tensions, many believe it is more important than ever to address the risks the weapons pose.

Featured image via Forces News

By Tom Pashby