Prime Minister's letter to Veterans of the UK's Nuclear Testing Programme
Published 5 September 2022
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Dear Veterans of the UK’s Nuclear Testing Programme,
For decades our country has lived in peace and security under the protective shield of our independent nuclear deterrent. But we should always remember that we only possess this vital insurance because of your achievements in a crucial period of post-War history.
At a time when the essential technology was still in its infancy – and the world was even more dangerous than it is today - you succeeded in developing and testing our deterrent in the first place. You forged and perfected our country’s protective shield and then made certain that it worked.
Today 67 million people in the United Kingdom – and our NATO allies – live in the safety that you helped to provide. You can take pride in how our prosperity and security derives, in good measure, from your effort and sacrifice all those years ago.
I was privileged to be the first Prime Minister to meet some of you in person. Hearing your accounts first hand, I’m determined that your achievements will never be forgotten. So I am commissioning an oral history to memorialise your service and later this year we will mark the 70th anniversary of the first UK nuclear test. The Government will provide funds for other schemes to remember your contribution to national security and offer support as necessary. And I have asked that we look again at the case for medallic recognition, because it is my firm belief that you all deserve such an honour, and this work is now in train.
Many of us have spent our whole lives under the formidable shield that you helped to build. On behalf of all those millions, let me offer my profound thanks for your part in keeping us safe.
Yours sincerely
Boris Johnson