PM brings new hope for justice, tests veteran says

9 hours ago

Jade TaylersonNorth West

News image — John Morris was 18 when he was sent to Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean

BBC Head and shoulders image of John Morris sitting in the garden in the sunshine in a black tshirt. He is wearing glasses and has short white receeding hair and a goatee — John Morris was 18 when he was sent to Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean

A man who was exposed to nuclear tests in the 1950s has said Andy Burnham has finally given him "hope" of getting justice.

John Morris, of Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was 18 when he was sent to Christmas Island in the Pacific, where bombs were detonated in a series of infamous tests conducted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Many veterans suffered serious medical problems afterwards and have now called for the new prime minister to fast-track an independent inquiry.

Burnham has repeatedly backed their cause after some of the 22,000 military personnel claimed they were used as guinea pigs but the MoD said compensation is available through the War Pensions Scheme.

Now 88, Morris is part of a group of veterans who have lodged a criminal complaint against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) saying they are "devastated at the way veterans are being denied justice".

But it is Burnham's appointment that has given Morris hope as he claims the PM backs a judicial review.

In 2025, when Burnham was mayor of Greater Manchester, he said it was his view that there was "clear evidence of misconduct in public office and, following the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the investigation of it can wait no longer".

Getty Images Members of the press and the Royal Navy wearing white overalls and hoods and black goggles sit in seats on board a naval vessel ahead of nuclear tests in 1957 — Those in the Pacific for the tests were given protective clothing known as "Goon suits"

Morris told BBC Radio Manchester he finally had "real hope".

"There were about 22,000 personnel involved and there is about 1,300 people left," he said.

"We are dying at the rate of about six a month.

"That judicial review for the men that are no longer with us... it is essential.

"I want to meet Andy Burnham to get a judicial review up and running as soon as possible."

Rochdale Nuclear Veteran: Burnham gave 'real hope'

Morris said his memories of the tests were still vivid.

"You were sat 20 miles away from a nuclear explosion that was 20 times more powerful than [the bomb dropped on] Hiroshima," he said.

"I had my hands over my eyes, sunglasses on and my back to the explosion.

"The light was so strong that you could see every sinew and bone in your hand.

"The heat that came from that bomb was so hot, palm trees were scorched [and] tyres had melted."

John Morris at a table with Sir Keir Starmer and two other nuclear veterans in 2021 — John Morris (far left) met then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with other veterans in 2021

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the "nuclear deterrent remains the bedrock of our security".

"We recognise the significant contribution that nuclear test veterans have and continue to make to our security," they said.

"We will continue to engage with the community in an open, constructive and transparent way to understand their experiences and hear concerns.

"Any veteran who has suffered ill health from their service can claim compensation through the War Pensions Scheme."

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