A new investigation by the BBC has revealed how British military veterans affected by a long-running toxic water scandal in the US have been let down by a lack of support from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Between the 1950s and the 1980s, hundreds of UK personnel and civilians were posted or spent time at Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina, where they were exposed to cancer-causing chemicals from a polluted water supply.
Relatives of those who have since died told the BBC that the MoD has done nothing to help them access a US compensation scheme for victims, which closes next month.
Hilary Meredith-Beckham, founder and chair of Hilary Meredith Solicitors and Visiting Professor of Law and Veterans' Affairs at the University of Chester said: "I have long called for the MoD to keep a register of all veterans and to work with the NHS to keep track of their health issues much like the US Government undertakes to help and support those who have served.
"Of course, the obvious reason why the MoD does not implement a veteran health register is because unlike the US they can be sued if negligent. In the US there is no need for veterans to claim against the government as they are properly looked after and respected. The MoD is too preoccupied with covering up the truth and protecting itself from criticism.”
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