CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has called for action from the Government regarding British nuclear test veterans.

Between 1952 and 1967 the UK carried out a number of tests of nuclear weapons in the Pacific Ocean and in Australia, involving more than 20,000 servicemen.

Some 30% of men involved in the tests have since died, mostly in their 50s.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Timpson said: “In Crewe and Nantwich there are a number of veterans who were affected by the British testing of nuclear weapons in Australia and Christmas Island during the 1950s and 1960s.

“Will the Secretary of State tell the House what progress has been made, as part of the investigation into the health needs of those nuclear-test veterans, with the follow-up to the Rowland report on chromosomal damage, as the Ministry of Defence promised?”

Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans, responded: “The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association has been meeting my officials to scope the study.

“We are now putting it out to tender, to ensure that we get a competent organisation to undertake it, and I will keep the House informed as that work goes on.”

Following the exchange, Mr Timpson added: “It seems bureaucracy is getting in the way of common sense.

"Many other countries, including the USA, recognise that they did wrong by their nuclear test veterans and have compensated them properly.

"The radiation injuries these men have suffered are just as important as combat wounds suffered in Afghanistan or Iraq today, and should finally be recognised.

"How much longer do they have to wait?"