Veterans of the UK’s nuclear weapons testing programme held their annual march on the weekend at Risca – for the last time.
The march by members of Welsh branch of the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association has been staged in Risca since 1993. Dwindling numbers of veterans meant this would be the last parade.
Thousands of servicemen were involved in the weapons testing programme in the 1950s and many later suffered serious health problems such as cancer. The Ministry of Defence has always claimed that no “causal” link can be proved.
Islwyn MP Chris Evans attended the ceremony.
He said: “It was an honour to join the parade. We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and this ceremony honours the men who have subsequently died because of their involvement in nuclear testing.
“I feel very strongly that these veterans deserve justice and I have tabled several parliamentary questions on this issue. It is important that we never forget their cause.”