Boris Johnson pressures next PM to honor Britain's nuclear test veterans

In a victory for the Mirror, which has campaigned for veterans to be honoured, the outgoing PM has urged the government to review honor claims

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, flanked by nuclear test veteran John Morris and Mirror journalist Susie Boniface

Boris Johnson used his last full day in office to advocate for a medal for Britain's nuclear test veterans.

In a victory for the Mirror, which has campaigned for veterans to be honoured, the outgoing Prime Minister has urged the government to reconsider claims for the honour.

He also pledged funds for a national Plutonium Jubilee commemoration next month, and said the country's most abused heroes had created a "tremendous shield" that protected many millions of people.

Activists fought for justice for Cold War heroes, who took part in secret radiation experiments in America, Australia and the South Pacific between 1952 and 1991.

In an open letter to all those affected by Cold War radiation experiments that knowingly and intentionally exposed thousands of military personnel to nuclear fallout, Mr Johnson offered his "deep thanks", but s was arrested before the apologies demanded by the veterans.

"You forged and perfected our nation's protective shield, and then made sure it worked," he said. "Today, 67 million people in the UK - and our NATO allies - live in the security you helped provide."

Veterans and their families, along with the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association demonstrate outside Parliament (

Picture:

Philip Coburn)

He continued, “I had the privilege of being the first PM to meet some of you in person. Hearing your stories firsthand, I am determined that your accomplishments will never be forgotten.”

Mr Johnson's spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister will write to veterans of the UK's nuclear testing program today to announce that he has commissioned an oral history to commemorate their service.

"He will also announce that the UK will mark the 70th anniversary of Britain's first nuclear test and provide funds for projects to remember the sacrifices of nuclear test veterans.

"The Prime Minister has also requested that the government reconsider...