Dr IAN GIBSON Chairman of MPs' Science & Technology Select Committee

LAST Monday I chaired a meeting of more than 200 British nuclear test veterans packed into a House of Commons room.

The veterans spoke passionately of their experiences and their disappointment at successive governments who had failed to address their concerns.

They had no respect for the studies of the National Radiological Protection Board, which denies links between the nuclear tests and genetic defects. The veterans complained the results were biased and didn't tackle the right questions.

A mass picket outside Parliament, and the presentation of a dossier to 10 Downing Street ensured that this issue will not go away. The meeting made the following demands:

-THAT a medal be presented to the veterans to honour their contribution to their country.

-THAT a proper appraisal of the research, in particular the Sunday Mirror study showing effects on children and grandchildren of the veterans, be carried out by an independent body.

-THAT proper compensation be allocated to the veterans.

It was also decided that groups and individuals approach their MPs for support and Ministers be contacted for their views.

I congratulate the Sunday Mirror for their support in setting the meeting up. The campaign is now rolling, an Early Day Motion has been re-tabled and on Wednesday a debate on compensation will be held in the Commons.

New scientific evidence showing how genetic damage can be transmitted from one generation to the next is compelling and should not be dismissed lightly. Government after government has ignored the claims of the veterans who now seek justice.

It is time for our Labour Government to set up an inquiry and deliver compensation to the veterans and their families.

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