Tribute to Johnstone activist who fought for justice for nuclear test veterans after his passing

Tribute has been paid to a Johnstone activist, who fought relentlessly for justice for nuclear test veterans, after his passing last month at the age of 85.

Former soldier Ken McGinley, who had lung and kidney cancer, was present at five nuclear bomb tests during his military service on Christmas Island in the late 1950s. His campaign for "justice and accountability" began in the 1980s when he realised many of his fellow ex-serviceman suffered the same or similar health conditions he did – leading to a movement that spanned four decades.

Provost Lorraine Cameron remembered Ken, who is survived by his wife Alice and daughter Louise, at the full meeting of Renfrewshire Council on Thursday. She said: "What he managed to squeeze into that 85 years was quite incredible ... He lived a life marked by resilience, dedication and an unwavering commitment to justice.

"He was a tireless advocate for nuclear test veterans' rights and dedicated much of his own life to raising awareness and seeking justice for those affected by radiation exposure."

Ken was a key figure in setting up the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association in 1983, of which he served as chairman for a number of years. Provost Cameron explained: "His advocacy actually began after his own experience as a British serviceman who was exposed to nuclear testing in the 1950s.

"Ken, who eventually had lung and kidney cancer, was present at five nuclear bomb tests during his military service in the late 1950s. He was one of the 22,000 British and Commonwealth troops who participated in the nuclear weapons programme under Prime Minister Anthony Eden.

"Ken's iconic campaign for justice and accountability began in 1982 with the realisation that many of his local fellow veterans at the experimental nuclear tests suffered from the same or similar health conditions as he did. That realisation ignited a 41-year accountability movement after he wrote a simple letter to the readers' page of the Daily Record in Glasgow asking if any of its readers suffered similar health problems after such tests. He was spurred on and, fair to say, given strength by the reaction to that letter.

"Ken set up the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association in 1983 (the BNTVA) and he served as a chairman on that organisation for many years, providing a voice to the voiceless and tirelessly campaigning for recognition and compensation."

Ken died on June 10 and his funeral was held on June 26. Provost Cameron added that, during his lifetime, his "efforts were instrumental in bringing international attention to the plight of nuclear test veterans".

Beyond his activism, he was known for his "warm personality, sharp wit and boundless compassion". "He was a cherished member of his community," she told elected members. "Always ready with a helping hand and a kind word."

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