Local MP John McDonnell calls on Porton Down veterans to come forward

Local MP John McDonnell today highlighted a ministerial statement which extended the deadline for Porton Down veterans to bring claims against the Ministry of Defence. The deadline has now been extended to 30th June 2008.

From the 1940s to the 1980s servicemen working at the MoD’s Chemical Laboratories in Porton Down were exposed to various chemical agents, including sarin and mustard gas. The veterans state that they were not informed about the nature of the chemical agents to which they were subjected before participating in the experiments, nor the health risks associated with them. Many believed they were assisting in the quest to find a cure for the common cold. It has only been over the last decade that the veterans have learned of the chemical agents to which they have been exposed.

Solicitors representing a group claim brought by 359 servicemen or their families reached a deal with the MoD in January. The solicitors instructed by a second group of 220 servicemen have begun discussions with the MoD on another group claim.

The MoD decided to extend the limitation period to allow the first group claim to brought. The department has now made the decision to further extend the limitation period to 30th June 2008 in order to allow other veterans to bring claims.

Local MP John McDonnell said “I am calling upon all veterans of Porton Down in my constituency to come forward. If you or a member of your family were affected by these experiments I urge you to take action before 30th June this year.”

submitted by John on 11 Apr 2008 at 10:10