Nuclear Tests On Human Guinea Pigs Cause Generations Of Suffering

12.00.00am GMT Tue 5th Nov 2002

Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell has called on the government to compensate families who are still suffering the effects of nuclear weapons tests carried out on British military personnel in the Pacific over 50 years ago. Andrew Stunell is backing a call for automatic compensation for innocent victims.

Mr Stunell took action in Parliament after meeting a 70-year-old veteran from Stockport who witnessed the tests whilst on National Service, and who now has severe health problems.

Mr Stunell said, "The effects of radiation are still being felt not only by those who were forced to watch these tests, but also by the fourth generation of the original victims. Stillbirths and miscarriages are shockingly high, incidents of babies with Downs Syndrome are seven times the national average and Leukaemia rates are six times the national average."

"The Government must stop talking and start acting. A judicial inquiry needs to be set up for these most innocent people. When Blair and New Labour were in opposition they called for automatic compensation, now in power, they're fast on words but slow on action."