In 2006, a call came through on my phone from someone seeking clarity on the state of affairs in the world. The caller, Craig Prescott, shared the story of his late father, Roy, a former participant in nuclear weapons testing who passed away at 66 without receiving a war pension due to the Ministry of Defence denying responsibility. Craig’s persistence in fighting for justice for his father, who was part of British troops involved in American tests, was remarkable and inspiring.

Having previously worked as a defense reporter in Plymouth, I was well-versed in the workings of the MoD and had knowledge of nuclear risks. The Mirror had been advocating for veterans since 1984, highlighting the health issues experienced by those involved in nuclear tests. The campaign gained momentum, with more veterans reaching out for support.

Roy was among the many Royal Engineers involved in Cold War nuclear trials, with thousands reporting health problems and birth defects in their families. Years later, research from New Zealand revealed genetic damage among test veterans similar to that of Chernobyl cleanup workers. Legal battles ensued, with the Supreme Court eventually ruling the claims as time-barred, leaving veterans and their families devastated.

Despite setbacks, the veterans persisted in their fight, conducting new research and unearthing hidden documents. The campaign for recognition culminated in the introduction of a commemorative medal, a symbolic gesture acknowledging their service. While the gesture was appreciated, some veterans felt it lacked the respect they deserved, receiving the medal in a nondescript manner.

The medal campaign reignited interest in the veteran community, leading to the discovery of incriminating documents linking atomic scientists to human experiments during the tests. This revelation sparked further investigations, resulting in the Nuked Blood Scandal. The scandal prompted a ministerial inquiry and a police review, shedding light on long-held secrets and potentially providing more evidence for the veterans’ claims.

The fight for justice continues, with ongoing inquiries and legal actions. As my final column for the Mirror, I extend my gratitude to the readers and colleagues who have supported this cause over the past 13 years.