MP outlines purpose, format and agenda of next week’s event

John Baron MP has teamed up with fellow MP Dr Ian Gibson to hold a Parliamentary Inquiry into the Christmas Island Nuclear Tests. The Inquiry will be held on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th October between 10am and 1pm. Its purpose is to examine new scientific evidence regarding the possible medical effects on the servicemen who took part in Britain’s Nuclear Tests in the 1950s – and their offspring.

The idea for an Inquiry came out of John’s campaign on behalf of Mr Eric Everard, a local constituent, who was present at the Christmas Island tests in the Indian Ocean.

John said:

“The purpose of the inquiry is to find out whether servicemen and their families have suffered medically as a result of being present at these nuclear tests. The British Government had a duty of care towards our servicemen and, after 50 years, it is about time we got to the truth.”

“We will be examining new scientific evidence and hearing from the Veterans, including my constituent Mr Everard, and their families before presenting our findings in a report to Parliament.”

The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association has welcomed the event. Chairman John Lowe has said:

“Our request for an inquiry in 2002 was turned down by the Government. This new research could finally prove what we’ve always known – men serving their country were exposed to massive doses of radiation which not only killed and injured them, but their descendants too.”

Day One of the Inquiry will hear from scientists and examine the new evidence. Day Two will hear from Veterans and their families about their experiences. On both days, there will be plenty of opportunity for members of the public and press to put questions to those giving evidence.