Local MP helps launch recognition campaign for nuclear test veterans

MP highlights art exhibition inspired by nuclear tests

Andrew Stunell MP backed British Nuclear Test Veterans' campaign for recognition of their contribution in Parliament this week.

Commenting, Andrew said - "Veterans from the UK H-bomb test programme have faced a decades-long battle for recognition. Safety precautions at the time were basic, and I have Stockport servicemen who have been battling to come to terms with the health risks they faced ever since."

"This dramatic exhibition has raised the profile of their case down in London, with the aim of getting the recognition and help they have long waited for."

The event, hosted by The British Nuclear Test Veterans' Association (BNTVA), was attended by other MPs, nuclear veterans and their descendents and displayed the art exhibition which has been inspired by the nuclear tests. One artist, Katherine Connery, is the daughter of a test veteran. Her father witnessed the first atom bomb test at Montebello Island in 1952.

Their work is inspired by the nuclear tests, and aims to portray the mental anguish experienced by British nuclear test veterans and their descendants. It depicts the mental trauma which many service personnel have experienced since participating in the British nuclear tests.

Nigel Heaps, Chairman of the BNTVA, said:

"This is a fantastic start to our campaign. We have received support from all parties, clearly showing that the recognition of the contribution and suffering of our nuclear test veterans is rightly regarded as an issue of national responsibility."

"I look forward to the public launch of our Shadow of the Bomb art exhibition, which will raise awareness of our campaign in the public arena."