The Ministry of Defence is under mounting pressure over its handling of historic records linked to British nuclear test veterans, after refusing to reveal how many personnel are currently working on the internal review.
In response to two written parliamentary questions from Sir John Hayes MP (Conservative – South Holland and The Deepings), Veterans Minister Al Carns cited the “complexity and breadth” of the task, but admitted there is no ringfenced team or dedicated budget in place to support the work.
“Many officials from across the Department are involved in roles ranging from supporting the recall of files from various archives to analysing the files,” Carns explained. “Collating information on the number of officials involved would be time-consuming and detract from those officials delivering the records exercise itself.”
The ongoing review was launched following long-standing concerns from veterans and campaigners, who are calling for full transparency around what – if any – medical monitoring or testing took place during the UK’s Cold War-era nuclear weapons trials in the 1950s and 1960s.
Although Carns reaffirmed the government’s “gratitude” to those who served, he stopped short of offering any new insights into the review’s progress. He did, however, confirm that the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is now involved in supporting the work.
Still, the scale of the task remains unclear, and no timeline has been given for its completion.
“We are not currently certain how many files need to be reviewed,” Carns said. “The content of those files varies significantly over time and between the Services, which were under separate Ministries during the period of the nuclear tests.”
In a separate parliamentary answer, Carns was asked whether the Ministry holds any new information regarding allegations of medical monitoring of veterans since 2022. While he did not confirm any new findings, he emphasised his commitment to continued dialogue with those affected.
“I held a meeting with a Nuclear Test Veteran organisation most recently on 31 March 2025,” he said, “and I look forward to further engagement, including with Members of Parliament.”
Campaigners have stepped up their demands for full disclosure, particularly in light of recent moves by other nuclear powers, including the United States and France, to release similar records. Many argue the UK must follow suit to properly acknowledge the long-term health concerns faced by veterans and their families.
