MERSEYSIDE veterans who are suing the Government, claiming they were exposed to deadly radiation, say they hope their case has been bolstered by a Ministry of Defence statement.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) admitted more than 150 servicemen were killed by radiation after taking part in atomic bomb tests.
Solicitors acting for defence chiefs made the unprecedented admission in papers lodged with the High Court.
But they continue to deny 20,000 others involved suffered harm.
Up to 3,000 former Forces personnel and their relatives are suing the MoD in a class action lawsuit claiming unlimited damages.
The MoD now say 159 men were affected by radiation and some were killed. They name two RAF airmen – Eric Denson and John Brothers – who were irradiated as they flew into mushroom clouds thrown up by nuclear bombs.
Illnesses suffered by the veterans include cancers, skin defects, fertility problems and reduced life expectancy.
Karen Brogan, from Crosby, is taking action on behalf of her father, Alfred Martin, who served at Christmas Island in the late 1950s. He died of bone cancer, aged 55.
Last night, Mrs Brogan said: “I hope this helps. We will just have to wait and see.
“We deserve something because he died for nothing. He was a young man who died a terrible death.
“We’ve had a few hearings with the MoD. It sounded like the MoD were not going to give in and not admit anything.”
Mrs Brogan added that lawyers acting for the Atomic Veterans’ Group – who have organised the law suit – were selecting 10 claimants to give evidence in one of the future hearings, possibly in January.
“I could be chosen to go up to court and I hope I do,” she said.
Mrs Brogan’s claim is one of seven from Merseyside, as five veterans and one other family member are also claiming.
Wirral-based Ernest Cocker, who is also part of the lawsuit, was more cautious about the new admission.
Mr Cocker, 72, who served with the 38 Corps Engineer regiment, said: “The Government has a habit of giving a few pennies out to a few people and giving nothing out to others. We will wait and see in January.”
An MoD spokesperson said: “The UK Government recognises the vital contribution service personnel played in the UK’s nuclear tests during the 1950s and understands its obligation to veterans.
“When compensation claims are received, they are considered on the basis of whether or not the Ministry of Defence has a legal liability to pay compensation.
“Where there is a proven legal liability, compensation is paid.”
