Menu
18/04/2007
Inquiry launched into Sellafield organ removal
An inquiry has been launched into claims that body parts and tissue was removed from the bodies of nuclear workers at Sellafield without their families knowledge.
It has been alleged that the workers, who had been employed at the Cumbria plant in the 1960s and 1970s had tissues, bones and body parts removed.
Trade Secretary Alistair Darling announced the launch of the inquiry in an emergency statement to the Commons on Wednesday.
The investigation, which will be led by Michael Redfern QC - who also carried out the inquiry into the body parts scandal at Alder Hey Children's Hospital - will try to establish why the tissue was taken, whether next of kin were told and if proper procedures were followed.
British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) said that, in most cases, the samples had been taken in connection with coroners' post mortems or inquests, while in others the samples were taken in association with legal proceedings.
However, there was no information regarding the request for samples in four cases, although BNFL stressed that this did not mean that appropriate requests were not made.
Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokesperson Susan Kramer said: "It is vital that we know why these samples were taken and what, if anything, was discovered.
"We welcome the inquiry into these known cases in Sellafield, but the government should now initiate a broader investigation into other existing and decommissioned nuclear facilities where other similar practices may have taken place.
"The families of workers at other nuclear facilities will be looking for reassurance about this deeply disturbing revelation."
(KMcA/JM)
It has been alleged that the workers, who had been employed at the Cumbria plant in the 1960s and 1970s had tissues, bones and body parts removed.
Trade Secretary Alistair Darling announced the launch of the inquiry in an emergency statement to the Commons on Wednesday.
The investigation, which will be led by Michael Redfern QC - who also carried out the inquiry into the body parts scandal at Alder Hey Children's Hospital - will try to establish why the tissue was taken, whether next of kin were told and if proper procedures were followed.
British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) said that, in most cases, the samples had been taken in connection with coroners' post mortems or inquests, while in others the samples were taken in association with legal proceedings.
However, there was no information regarding the request for samples in four cases, although BNFL stressed that this did not mean that appropriate requests were not made.
Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokesperson Susan Kramer said: "It is vital that we know why these samples were taken and what, if anything, was discovered.
"We welcome the inquiry into these known cases in Sellafield, but the government should now initiate a broader investigation into other existing and decommissioned nuclear facilities where other similar practices may have taken place.
"The families of workers at other nuclear facilities will be looking for reassurance about this deeply disturbing revelation."
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 October 2009
Man Jailed Two Decades After Rapes
A man who subjected his two victims to what was described as terrifying rape ordeals 20 years ago has been jailed. He was given nine years imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court.
Man Jailed Two Decades After Rapes
A man who subjected his two victims to what was described as terrifying rape ordeals 20 years ago has been jailed. He was given nine years imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court.
09 August 2012
Soldiers' Body Parts Kept Without Permission
The Ministry of Defence has admitted that body parts and tissue from soliders killed in Afghanistan have been kept without permission from their families. Around six body parts and more than 50 tissue samples were found when a new manager was appointed at the Military Police's Special Investigations Branch.
Soldiers' Body Parts Kept Without Permission
The Ministry of Defence has admitted that body parts and tissue from soliders killed in Afghanistan have been kept without permission from their families. Around six body parts and more than 50 tissue samples were found when a new manager was appointed at the Military Police's Special Investigations Branch.
12 March 2010
Lib Dems Call For Nuclear Inquiry
New nuclear power stations should justify their existence before a public inquiry, the Liberal Democrats have said. Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, called on the Government to hold a forum into the ‘justification’ for new plants.
Lib Dems Call For Nuclear Inquiry
New nuclear power stations should justify their existence before a public inquiry, the Liberal Democrats have said. Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, called on the Government to hold a forum into the ‘justification’ for new plants.
25 June 2009
UK Troops Get Boost To Personal Protection
British troops fighting in the frontline are to receive new body armour and helmets this autumn, it has been announced. Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered from companies across the UK, under initial contracts worth around £16 million.
UK Troops Get Boost To Personal Protection
British troops fighting in the frontline are to receive new body armour and helmets this autumn, it has been announced. Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered from companies across the UK, under initial contracts worth around £16 million.
11 July 2008
Preferred Bidder Announced For Sellafield Contract
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has announced Nuclear Management Partners Ltd is the preferred bidder for the contract to run Sellafield. The consortium consists of three firms from the US, UK and France. They are Washington International Holdings Ltd., AMEC and AREVA NC.
Preferred Bidder Announced For Sellafield Contract
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has announced Nuclear Management Partners Ltd is the preferred bidder for the contract to run Sellafield. The consortium consists of three firms from the US, UK and France. They are Washington International Holdings Ltd., AMEC and AREVA NC.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
