Secret chemical tests a betrayal of our citizens

In his chilling article detailing how government scientists at the secret Porton Down laboratory used people as guinea pigs for their chemical experiments, former Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker certainly left us in no doubt about the appalling disregard politicians and authoritative institutions have towards the wellbeing, health and, indeed, lives of its citizens and military personnel when it suits their purpose.

Mr Baker’s findings bring to light the hypocrisy, secrecy and crimes perpetrated by those who were elected in good faith to lead us.

Stephen Bailey, Chorley, Lancashire

This was a disturbing article. It’s a shame that all those concerned at Porton Down in 1963 were not brought to account for their illegal experiments conducted in the interests of ‘national security’.

Mark Foster, London

This is just one out of numerous examples of governments attacking their own people. And they wonder why there are conspiracy theorists.

R. Alexander, Birmingham

I was one of the airmen who volunteered to go to Porton Down to help find a cure for the common cold. When I got there, I was subjected to being put into a gas chamber and given sarin gas. I was blind for two days and ever since I have suffered headaches. With the help of others, we took the Ministry of Defence to court and won our case on the grounds of authorities not being ethically correct. So thank you, Mr Baker, for bringing these awful truths out and into the public light. Unlike many of my fellow airmen, I am lucky to still be alive and I will be 90 in June.

John Shaw, Bradwell, Norfolk

The difference between the experiments by the military and the research and development of the Covid vaccine is that the military experiments were conducted under secrecy but the Covid vaccine is available for any scientific institution to investigate. Therefore they can report negative issues should they arise. When something has secrecy surrounding it, that is when abuse can happen without scrutiny.

S. White, London

The frightening thing about this is how few people actually know about these events, despite the information being readily and freely available for anyone with a questioning mind to find. Unfortunately, our education system has been discouraging free thinking. These days kids are taught to learn ‘facts’ presented to them, and nothing more.

L. Kennedy, London

Well done for publishing this shocking, provocative, timely piece. Some may fear it will further scare people off the current vaccine, but I think it’s better for people to be as informed as possible.

H. Simpson, London