The UK government has reiterated that British Nuclear Test Veterans who believe they have suffered health issues due to their service can apply for “no-fault compensation” under the War Pensions Scheme (WPS), with claims assessed on an individual basis.
Responding to a parliamentary question from Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP for Gosport, Minister for Veterans Al Carns confirmed that “Nuclear Test Veterans who believe they have suffered ill health due to service have the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pension Scheme (WPS) and have the same access to the scheme as any other veteran, with each application being assessed on its individual merits.”
Carns outlined that “War Disablement Pensions are medically certified with relevant material facts including on claimed incidents, events, and exposures.” However, he acknowledged that “there is not a specific Nuclear Test Veteran claim form for compensation under the WPS.”
To reduce barriers to application, Carns announced that “a supplementary form is available which allows for Nuclear Test Veteran specific information to be provided at the point of claim, reducing potential delays arising from seeking this information.” This change is aimed at ensuring veterans do not face unnecessary administrative hurdles when making a claim.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that “the Veterans Welfare Service offers assistance to all veterans throughout the application process,” reinforcing that dedicated support is available to help guide applicants through the system.
In addition to these measures, the government has published an information leaflet providing guidance on claiming compensation for conditions linked to ionising radiation exposure.
The issue of compensation and recognition for British Nuclear Test Veterans has been the subject of longstanding debate. While the WPS remains the primary route for those seeking financial redress, campaigners continue to push for a dedicated compensation scheme tailored specifically for veterans exposed to nuclear testing.
The government’s latest response signals an effort to address procedural difficulties, but whether further reforms will be introduced remains to be seen.
