Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has welcomed the Government’s commitment to award medals to Nuclear Test Veterans after raising the issue in Parliament.
Alfred Roy Davenport, a resident of Barlestone, was a serving member of HM Armed Forces between 1956 and 1959 and participated in the British Nuclear testing programme while stationed on Christmas Island.
Mr Davenport and around 40,000 other veterans and British personnel took part in the testing of atomic and hydrogen bombs in the 1950s and 1960s. Many believe they have suffered ill health due to their participation in the programme and only around 2,000 are believed to still be alive.
On 21st November 2022 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a new medal to honour the service of veterans who participated in Britain’s nuclear tests. The medal commemorates contributions by members of the armed forces, scientists and local employees from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth and President of Hinckley Royal British Legion (RBL), raised the case of Mr Davenport on September 11th 2023 “Alfred Roy Davenport, served in the RAF medical team from November 56 to November 1959, and was stationed on Christmas Island for a significant proportion of his service.
“He is now 85 and concerned about the delay in the award of the Nuclear Veterans medals. Can he confirm these awards will be presented before this year's Remembrance Sunday, so our service men and women can be recognised for what they have done for us all?”
Dr Andrew Murrison, Veterans Minister, responded “The Government are doing everything possible to ensure that as many nuclear test veterans as possible receive their medals in time for Remembrance Sunday. I appreciate the importance of that.
“A presentation event to award the first medals is actively being considered by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, but it is a balance between issuing the medals for Remembrance Sunday and ensuring that they are awarded in an appropriate manner to this cohort.”
Jonny Mercer, Minister for Veterans Affairs, stated “This medal honours those who served far from home, at a crucial time in our nation’s history.
“To this day the nuclear deterrent remains the cornerstone of our defence, and that is only because of the service and contribution of the brilliant veterans and civilian personnel.”
Dr Luke Evans MP commented after speaking in the House of Commons “We owe Mr Davenport and all Nuclear Test Veterans a huge debt for their service and the sacrifices they endured to keep our nation safe by ensuring the UK was equipped with appropriate nuclear capability.
“I hope the Minister’s response is welcome news to veterans across our country who have waited patiently for this medal. I will be following up with the Ministry of Defence to ensure Mr Davenport receives his medal imminently.”
You can watch Luke’s question here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM-i5_gVSdk
