By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-08 09:26:04 | Updated at 2026-10-08 10:26:49
1 hour ago
Campaigners for Britain’s nuclear test veterans have launched a fundraising appeal for their anniversary reunion next year.
In the 1950s and 60s, 22,000 British troops participated in nuclear tests and clean-ups.
The tests secured Britain as a nuclear power, but trapped thousands of servicemen in a lifetime of illness.
Knowingly exposed to radiation without protection, both they and generations of their families have suffered numerous health consequences.
Thanks to generous GB News' viewers donations hundreds of veterans and impacted families were able to attend the 2025 and 2026 reunions for free
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“The reunions are a time to sit and talk about their experience, a time to meet new veterans, and we had a lot of new veterans this year who hadn't attended before.
“They've come and they've realised that there's a family. We had a 93-year-old veteran in a wheelchair who came for the first time and stood up with the help of his son and danced on the dance floor with his wife.
“This is what the community is about. Obviously, there's the fight for truth and justice and everything, but it's being welcomed, shared experience, but getting up and relaxing and enjoying themselves.”
The campaigners recently met with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting who say they’re “committed” to “honouring the veteran’s service”.
Alan Owen told GB News just how much the donations mean
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However, in a message to this year’s reunion seen by GB News, former Veterans Minister Tobias Ellwood said they had been failed.
He tells the veterans in the video: “Not only were you put in harm's way, but the MoD had the very evidence ministers like me over the years told you to go away and find yourselves.
“You served your country with honour, but you were failed by the Ministry of Defence.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesman previously said: “We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to the more than 22,000 Service personnel, scientists and civilians who contributed to the UK's nuclear testing programme and helped safeguard our national security.”
Former Veterans Minister Tobias Ellwood told the group: 'Not only were you put in harm's way, but the MoD had the very evidence ministers like me over the years told you to go away and find yourselves'
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For the men and their families, the reunions are their chance to catch up with friends and remember their comrades lost in the years gone by.
Now urgent funds are needed to ensure next year’s event, marking the 75th anniversary of the first British test, can go ahead.
Alan Owen told GB News: “We want as many veterans and their families and the descendants to come as possible, but obviously it comes at a cost, so that's one of the reasons that we're fundraising to try and get as many people there as possible to make it a very, very special event.
“It's sad to say that it will probably be the last event for most of the veterans.”
If you would like to donate towards the reunion, you can go to the GoFundMe page HERE.
