Test vets win right to sue

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 6, 2009

test veterans won the right to sue Ministry of Defence.

A High Court judgement has given nearly soldiers, sailors and the green light to the MoD for ill health after witnessing explosions in the and 60s.

The former servicemen claim they were used guinea pigs by the Government to study the of radiation during in the Pacific Ocean.

As a result, the veterans, some of whom are the North East, and families have suffered cancer, bone degeneration, blood disorders fertility problems.

Many are terminally ill seven have died since hearing in January on the High Court verdict was based.

The MoD could have to out hundreds of millions in damages.

John Lowe, chairman the British Nuclear Test Association, of Bay, said: " It's news not only for the involved in the case, but everyone else because these men might finally start getting the pensions they deserve." Veteran John Taylor, 71, said: "My main concern is for my family and their well-being. Scientists believe radiation altered veterans' DNA and it is likely there is chromosome damage of veterans and their descendants." Other claimants include Bede Christopher McGurk, from Lawson Avenue, Jarrow, and Robert William Redman of Queens Crescent, Hebburn..