King Charles to honour nuclear test heroes but medals could be delayed by MoD red tape
King Charles wants to give a medal to Britain’s nuclear test heroes within months – but Ministry of Defence red tape could hold up the process for at least a year.
The King has told friends he has pencilled in a full “investiture” type ceremony in April, before his coronation.
But three months after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a gong for victims of the Cold War radiation experiments, civil servants say it will take more than a year for the design of the medal to be signed off.
Alan Owen, whose dad died after witnessing 24 bombs in 78 days, said: “It beggars belief that this country can organise a coronation in eight months but one medal will take longer.”
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A source close to the King added: “His Majesty wants some form of official ceremony as soon as possible.
“He recognises that those who can be given it are not going to be around for long. His staff have pencilled in something for April, depending on government approval.”
Britain exploded dozens of nukes and nearly 600 radioactive blasts from 1952 to 1991.
Servicemen got rare cancers, their wives had miscarriages and their kids 10 times the normal rate of birth defects.
Surviving veterans have an average age of 85.
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The Mirror has pushed for their official recognition and last year the PM asked the King to approve a medal. But the Cabinet Office told campaigners design and delivery is handled by the MoD.
It is understood its medal office is still working out criteria, with no date for inviting applications, or for it to be made by the Royal Mint.
Mr Sunak promised to meet veterans to discuss a range of issues. No date has been set.
Also no meetings have been arranged to discuss grant applications to a
£200,000 fund.
Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey said: “The families wept as he [the PM] promised a meeting. Time is running out.”