British Nuclear Test Veterans Association
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
About Us
The BNTVA began in May 1983 and we are an organisation, which deals with all nuclear veterans and their families. The definition of a nuclear veteran is - anyone, serviceman or civilian, who took part in the British Nuclear Test Programme, beginning with the first Test at Monte Bello 1952 and ending with Op Brumby in 1967. It also includes the men who were involved in the CleanUp Operations and persons involved in the handling of stores and equipment, returned from a test site.
We came into being because we heard of quite a number of men, who had been at one of the Test Sites, were either dead or dying from similar illnesses. When we began to investigate this we also learned of their children suffering in a similar manner. We were determined to find out the cause.
Our first major breakthrough was the release of a classified document, which stated that the Government should discover the effect of radiation, upon stores, equipment and men, with and without protective clothing! We feel we have discovered the effects!
- Our Aims are simple:
- Recognition from the Government admitting that many of the men were harmed because of their involvement with radiation.
- Pensions for the veteran or his widow.
- Medical support from the medical world and not dismissed as being paranoid about their illnesses.
Unfortunately, our doctors are not always trained in radiation-related illness and do not always understand the symptoms presented to them. It takes a good doctor to admit he doesn't know but is willing find out!
A full investigation needs to be conducted into the health of the children of veterans. Many of them present the same symptoms as their father. Many of them were born with genetic disorders and now also some of the grandchildren-too many to be coincidental.
We have made great strides in our endeavours and were partly responsible for the repeal of Section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act, 1947. This was an Act which prohibited service personnel from suing the Government, for damage caused them whilst in the Services. Although the repeal went through it was not made retrospective (not back-dated) so it could not benefit the nuclear veteran. However, it has proved invaluable to all present-day service personnel, in as much as, if they have been harmed, through no fault of their own and not in times of war, they are now able to sue the Government for compensation.
In 1987 the results of a Study, conducted by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) on behalf of the Government, were announced. It had been discovered that we had a much higher incidence of leukaemia and 100% more multiple myeloma (bone cancer). This meant that, anyone suffering those two cancers would be regarded as suitable for a war pension. We were told this was also enough to warrant a continuance of the Study for a further ten years, with an interim report given after five years.
In 1993 we were given, what we thought was the interim report. We were told there had been a blip in the figures of the previous report and only certain types of leukaemia would be recognised as a possible reason for being granted a war pension, also, that multiple myeloma would not be considered at all! We were also informed that we had not been harmed in any way! We were also told that there would be no further studies carried out on our veterans. We then learned that the Study was going to be downloaded from electronic form to 'papermat' and stored away. This could not be allowed to happen!
In 1997 we were fortunate when Dame Catherine Cookson, the famous author, came to our rescue and gave us a donation of £50,000 to hold a two-year study into the health of nuclear veterans. This study was carried out at Dundee University Medical School under the auspices of Sue Rabbitt Roff. Her findings have made many sit up and take notice!
The research found a pattern of illnesses and this enabled some of our members to obtain a war pension. Sadly gaining one of these is still a 'hit and miss' affair and it would seem it depends upon which part of the country you live whether or not you are successful.
The findings also made governments think again about the situation of the nuclear veterans. Both the New Zealand and Fijian Governments, on the strength of the research, have awarded their veterans war pension (their men were involved in the British Nuclear test Programme). The British Government, as we expected, would not give that commitment but is now in the process of having a new study conducted instead. The previous study was only an epidemiological one and had only looked at cancer deaths. We had been told that this new study would be fully independent and looking at all deaths. However, I am sorry to say, the Governments is using the same body - the NRPB - who, at present, are only looking at multiple myeloma deaths - however, we will see what they come up with in due course. Some meetings have already been held with the NRPB, with Sue Rabbitt Roff and myself present and further discussion are to take place before the final result is published. We are very disappointed that a different group was not given the task of holding the study instead of the Governmental one but we shall wait and see what they have to say when it is completed.
The New Zealand Government recently made an award to its men of $200,000 to help them in their research and possible legal action against the UK Government-we wish them well. Half of this amount had been promised to Dundee to help further research, specifically on 'Grapple' men as they were the only tests involving NZ men. We were hoping the findings would eventually benefit all veterans at all the other Test Sites. However, the Ethics Committee said it must be conducted on at least 300 men and more money would be required to enable this to happen. Sadly, we are still trying to raise the necessary £300,000. We are hoping the proposed Clinical Assessment Programme, which is the study Dundee is eager to go ahead with, will come to fruition soon but the stumbling block is funds!
In 1997 two veterans took their case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg looking for justice and it was re-assessed in February 2000. Unfortunately they did not get the justice they were seeking. However, I must state, they had not placed their case on health matters but legalities and sadly their case did not have a successful outcome.
Because of the Data Protection Programme, we cannot be given the full list of men who took part in Britain's Nuclear Test Programme and have to rely upon the veterans or their families, coming to us. Therefore, if you know of other veterans who have not contacted this organisation, it would be helpful if you would tell them about us.
Since joining our Association many men have been able to meet up again with old comrades and the same could be possible for you. We hold our Annual General Meeting at Blackpool each year, around the end of April/beginning of May and have a number of Branches throughout the country. So why not join us, you could benefit.
Our annual subscription is only £10, payable on joining and thereafter at the beginning of each year. If any of your family or friends wish to support us we welcome them as 'Associate Members' and their annual fee is only £2.50 or more if they wish. All cheques should be made payable to BNTVA (our initials) and accompany the completed membership form, which should be returned to the above address.
If, sadly the veteran has died and it is a member of his family that is applying for membership in his place, then we will require a copy of the death certificate to be attached to the form.
Finally, let me assure you, ALL information given us, is held in the strictest confidence and not divulged without your express permission.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Sandie Hern (Mrs)
Administration Secretary