Chris McDonald MP has paid tribute to Britain’s nuclear test veterans and called for their service and sacrifice to be properly recognised.
The Labour MP for Stockton North and Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Investment highlighted the rare memorial dedicated to nuclear test veterans at Billingham’s Garden of Remembrance.
In a post on X, McDonald said:
“Our nuclear test veterans deserve recognition and respect.
“Billingham’s Garden of Remembrance is a place where our community comes together to remember those who served and sacrificed.”
The garden contains a black granite memorial dedicated to test veterans who have died since Britain conducted nuclear tests at Monte Bello, Emu Field, Maralinga, Malden Island and Christmas Island.
Dedicated in 1999, the memorial carries the words “Not Forgotten” and provides an important local tribute to the military personnel and civilians involved in Britain’s nuclear testing programme.
Thousands of British and Commonwealth personnel participated in atmospheric nuclear testing during the 1950s and 1960s. Many veterans and their families have spent decades campaigning for greater recognition, transparency and support amid concerns about the possible long-term health consequences of their service.
The Nuclear Test Medal was introduced to recognise military personnel, civilians and overseas staff who participated in the programme. Eligibility was subsequently expanded by the Labour government to include British veterans who supported American atmospheric nuclear tests.
The medal can also be awarded posthumously to the legal next of kin of eligible veterans.
McDonald said many nuclear test veterans had felt forgotten for too long and stressed the importance of protecting memorials that preserve their stories for future generations.
His intervention reinforces the continuing campaign to ensure that those who contributed to Britain’s national security receive the recognition, respect and support they deserve.
