Following settlement of the first group of claims brought by former servicemen who participated in experiments at the MoD’s Chemical Laboratories at Porton Down, the government have now set a deadline of 30th June 2008 for additional claims to be brought.

Between the 1940’s and 1980’s servicemen were exposed to various chemical agents including sarin and mustard gas at the Porton Down establishment.  Many 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 that they were assisting in the quest to find a cure for the common cold.

John Mann MP wants to ensure that all those who were recruited into these experiments get the compensation that they are due.  He commented “when a soldier goes into battle they know the risks that they are facing but its shocking to see that these soldiers were often misled into risking their health and lives in experiments they knew little about.  Its essential that these people get the compensation that they deserve”.

If you are or know of a Porton Down Veteran please contact John Mann on 01909 506200.