Rehman is campaigning for greater recognition for veterans who helped to test Britain’s nuclear weapons.
On Thursday (17 October 2013), Rehman presented a motion at Medway’s Full Council meeting asking for the provisions of the Armed Forces Community Covenant to be extended to include nuclear test veterans.
These veterans participated in the testing of Britain’s nuclear weapons in the 1950s and 60s, with around 3,000 of the 20,000 service personnel still alive today. It is estimated that around 500 Kent and Medway service personnel took part and around 70 are alive.
Many veterans believe their health was affected by these tests and scientific studies have shown links between their exposure to nuclear radiation and health issues.
Mr Chishti was made aware of the campaign by local constituent Mr Webber, who as a member of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) is campaigning for greater recognition for such veterans.
Now that the local council has passed this motion it will include nuclear test veterans in the Community Covenant, which was introduced in 2011 by the Government and aims to encourage support and promote awareness of the armed services in the community.
Rehman said: "Medway is proud of its important military history and has worked hard to maintain strong links with the armed services, many of whom have served our country with distinction.
"We should also recognise those who have helped protect our country by taking part in nuclear tests, which many would argue were instrumental in winning the Cold War. This is why I asked the Council to to give these veterans the recognition they deserve and include them in Medway’s Community Covenant."