Motion · S5M-11791 · 23 Apr 2018

60th Anniversary of Grapple Y, Multi-megaton Thermonuclear Weapon Test

Lodged by Christina McKelvie Standard Motion 14 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament recognises the 60th anniversary of Grapple Y, the test of a multi-megaton thermonuclear weapon of mass destruction by the UK held on Christmas (Kiritimati) Island on 28 April 1958; understands that, along with nearly 14,000 British troops, 551 New Zealand sailors and 276 Royal Fiji Military Force and Fiji Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve troops were involved in the testing programme known as Operation Grapple, along with dozens of Gilbertese Islanders, who worked as labourers to support the operation; further understands that survivors of these tests subsequently died due to cancer, leukaemia and other illnesses that can be caused by radiation, with children of the Gilbertese plantation workers experiencing eye damage and other health effects from the nine nuclear detonations during Operation Grapple, and urges the UK Government to provide compensation, medical support and environmental rehabilitation to everyone affected by the operation, including New Zealand and Fijian military personnel and I-Kiribati living on Christmas Island.

Supporters (14)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.