Keir Starmer has committed to meeting with victims of radiation experiments in Britain after 435 days since their initial request. The Prime Minister assured this during an encounter with a BBC reporter, reaffirming his support for nuclear veterans by stating, “your campaign is our campaign.”
Expressing empathy for the victims’ plight, Starmer acknowledged the injustice they had faced and pledged to meet them by the year’s end. The campaigners sought a discussion regarding the Nuked Blood Scandal, which came to light when evidence of human radiation experiments on military personnel was exposed by the Mirror.
During the Cold War, blood and urine samples were taken from troops during weapons testing, with the results concealed from medical records. For decades, government officials, ministers, and lawyers denied the existence of such programs, even in legal proceedings and parliamentary sessions.
Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough review of alleged misconduct in public office related to these events. The Mirror informed Starmer of the scandal in September 2023, prompting his Downing Street team to stay updated on the investigation progress.
Despite previous attempts by the campaign group LABRATS to secure a meeting with Starmer post-election, no response was received. A video highlighting Labour ministers’ promises of compensation has gained significant traction online.
Starmer admitted he was unaware of the veterans’ request for a meeting, but he assured that he would now address the matter. Among the affected veterans is John Morris, a veteran of Operation Grapple, who attributed his health issues to exposure during hydrogen bomb tests and the tragic loss of his infant son.
Morris expressed faith in Starmer’s sincerity to meet with them and blamed the Establishment for hindering their communication channels. LABRATS founder Alan Owen proposed a one-year special tribunal as a viable solution and emphasized the urgency of addressing the aging veterans’ needs.
The veterans hope to engage in constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister to avoid costly legal battles and find a resolution to their long-standing grievances.