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Stacks/The Law Firm - Media
BLAIR TO FIGHT FOR AUSTRALIAN BOMB TEST VICTIMS
1/03/2010
Cherie Blair, the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and prominent human rights lawyer, will lead the fight for justice in the UK courts for the Australian victims of the British nuclear bomb tests conducted in Australia in the 1950s and 1960s.Mrs Blair, who works as a barrister under her maiden name of Cherie Booth, has agreed to take on a class action in Britain against the British government which could see millions of dollars paid as compensation to the surviving Australian victims of the nuclear tests, as well as families of those who died from radiation exposure.
Sydney law firm Stacks, which is representing hundreds of former Australian military personnel who were exposed to the damaging effects of the nuclear tests, will collaborate with Mrs Blair and her legal team in bringing the class action to the UK courts.
Sydney lawyer Tom Goudkamp, who is leading the Stacks campaign for justice for the nuclear veterans, said having Cherie Blair represent the case in the UK courts was a huge step forward.
"She is a very successful and strong human rights lawyer in her own right and to have her lead the case in Britain will give the case enormous prominence. It will mean the victims of the nuclear tests have a very real chance of getting justice after more than 50 years of being shunned by both the British and Australian governments," Mr Goudkamp said.
Mr Goudkamp is working closely with two British lawyers from Mrs Blair's legal team who are currently in Australia assessing the case.
The Australian government has pushed off attemtps by the Australian military nuclear veterans to reach a settlement, but will have to recompense the UK government for any money awarded to the Australian victims by the UK courts.
Tom Goudkamp is available for interview on 0417 211 194 or 9237 2222.
