Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has plans to introduce a decoration to recognise the service of nuclear test veterans; and if he will make a statement.

The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD Committee), which is supported by the Cabinet Office is re-establishing the Advisory Military Sub-Committee (AMSC) to examine historic military medals claims. The Defence Secretary has asked that they consider the award of a medal for the Nuclear Test Veterans.

Details of the Sub-Committee's membership and terms of reference, as well as the process for assessing historic medals claims, will be announced by the Cabinet Office in due course and the AMSC is intended to start work in 2019.

The Government continues to recognise and be grateful to all Servicemen and women who participated in the British nuclear testing programme. They contributed to keeping our nation secure during the Cold War and since, by ensuring that the UK was equipped with an appropriate nuclear capability.