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Written question asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 September 2026. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 17 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Radiation Exposure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the treatment of nuclear test veterans in the United States and France; and what lessons they have learned from comparisons with those countries’ approaches to the provision of compensation for veterans affected by nuclear testing and their descendants.

Answer

Arrangements and support for nuclear test veterans in other countries, including the United States and France, are matters for those governments.

In the United Kingdom, veterans who believe they have suffered ill health as a result of their service may apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pension Scheme, provided they served before 6 April 2005. Claims are considered on the basis of the available service and medical evidence, with the benefit of reasonable doubt given to the claimant, and decisions carry a full right of appeal to an independent tribunal.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3055
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Compensation France Nuclear weapons Radiation exposure Testing USA Veterans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk