Radiation Research Trust – Political & Policy Advocacy Timeline (2003–2025)
Since the early 2000s, the EM Radiation Research Trust (RRT) has maintained a science-led approach to raising awareness of health risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including from mobile phone masts, smart meters, and wireless infrastructure. RRT’s work spans local, national, and international advocacy, continually submitting evidence to government bodies. Our ongoing activities are accessible:
Eileen O’Connor and SCRAM (Seriously Concerned Residents Against Masts) organised the first public meeting in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. The event brought together scientists from both sides of the UK debate on mobile phone mast safety and was chaired by Andrew Mitchell MP. Watch the SCRAM Public Meeting (2003)
SCRAM campaign group
2003–2004 – Wishaw Cancer Cluster & National Review
♦Event: Residents in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, reported multiple cancers near a mobile phone mast.
♦Action: Eileen O’Connor and SCRAM compiled the Wishaw Papers, combining research and testimonies.
♦Impact: Minister Mike O’Brien ordered the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) to review the evidence. ♦Read the Wishaw Papers: https://radiationresearch.org/wishaw-papers/
21 May 2004 – House of Commons Debate
2004 – Questions Raised by Andrew Mitchell MP
♦Action: Debate on mast siting and health, prompted by Wishaw cluster concerns. You can access the full Hansard transcript of this debate here:
Eileen O’Connor and Andrew Mitchell MP at Westminster
July 2005 – Westminster Debate on Phone Masts
♦Event: Packed debate organised by Lembit Opik MP at Westminster.
♦Attendees: Campaigners, industry representatives, and government officials.
♦Speakers:
Dr Michael Clark, UK Health Protection Agency
Dr Gerd Oberfeld, Public Health Department of Salzburg, advocating a precautionary approach based on scientific evidence
♦Action: Eileen O’Connor joined the panel to provide evidence from community campaigns and research.
♦Impact: Lembit Opik continued supporting the Radiation Research Trust and chaired a session at the 2008 RRT Conference.
Advisory Roles & European Policy (2006–2010)
2006–2008 – UK Health Protection Agency EMF Discussion Group
♦RRT Director Eileen O’Connor’s Role: Member of the advisory group chaired by Sir William Stewart, presenting community health concerns.
2007 – House of Commons Debate: Combating the Dangers of Wireless Technology (February 2007)
♦Event: Organised and chaired a packed debate in the Attlee Room, Portcullis House, Westminster, London.
♦Attendees: MPs, industry representatives, public campaigners, health officials, and media.
♦Speakers:
Dr Ian Gibson, Labour MP
Dr George Carlo, Science and Public Policy Institute, Washington D.C., author of Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age, with over 150 publications in public health, workplace safety, and consumer protection
♦Impact: The debate elevated awareness of wireless technology risks in Parliament and strengthened the RRT’s reputation as a credible, evidence-based advocacy organisation.
Photo take at the House of Commons. Features Andrew Mitchell MP, Eileen O’Connor, Dr George Carlo, and Dr Ian Gibson MP
2007 – Meeting with David Davis MP, Westminster
♦Event: Eileen O’Connor, Dr Gerd Oberfeld, and Mike Bell met with David Davis MP at Westminster.
♦Focus: Discussing evidence on wireless radiation risks, precautionary approaches, and community health concerns.
♦Impact: Helped build cross-party awareness of the emerging health and safety issues related to mobile phone masts and wireless technology.
September 2008 – RRT Conference, Royal Society, London
♦Event: “Electromagnetic Fields and Health – A Global Issue” conference. Speakers included representatives from ICNIRP, WHO, Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, UK HPA, MTHR, and scientists, politicians, and concerned citizens.
♦Impact: Encouraged open dialogue on EMF risk assessment and set a precedent for balanced global discussion. 2008 EMF Conference Presentations
Speakers at the 2008 Radiation Research Trust Conference, Palace of Westminster.
20 Feb 2009 – EU Commission DG SANCO Workshop, Brussels
♦Presentation: Eileen O’Connor – Why people are worried about EMF: a UK perspective View PDF
2008–2009 – European Parliament Ries Report
2010 – Submission to U.S. President’s Cancer Panel
♦Action: Eileen O’Connor submitted evidence on EMF and cancer risks. In May 2010, she presented written evidence to President Barack Obama’s Cancer Panel as part of the Panel’s data and information-gathering process. ♦Impact: The submission was featured in the Birmingham Mail, highlighting UK grassroots influence on U.S. health policy. The President’s Cancer Panel reported that “the true burden of environmentally induced cancers has been grossly underestimated” and strongly urged action to reduce widespread exposure to carcinogens. Until more research is conducted, the panel recommended that people reduce their usage by making fewer and shorter calls, using hands-free devices so that the phone is not against the head and refraining from keeping a phone on a belt or in a pocket. 📄 Read the full Birmingham Mail article
20 Dec 2010 – Cited in Parliament by Bill Esterson MP
Jan 2010 – Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London
♦Action: 2010 – Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London ♦Event: Seminar on Electrosensitivity and EMF Standards In January 2010, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London hosted a seminar focusing on electrosensitivity and current electromagnetic field (EMF) standards. The event featured presentations from notable experts, including Sir William Stewart, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government and Chairman of the Health Protection Agency; and Professor Oleg Grigoriev, Director of the Centre for Electromagnetic Safety in Russia.
10 Downing Street – Picture from left features Mike Bell, Joe Benton MP, Eileen O’Connor, Bill Esterson MP and assistant, Dr Erica Mallery-Blythe, and Brian Stein
2011 – European Parliament, Brussels
Photo featuring Dr Gerd Oberfeld, Eileen O’Connor, Jill Evans MEP, Dr Isaac Jamieson, and Steven Boone taken in 2011 the European Parliament
2011–2014 – European Commission Stakeholder Dialogue Group on EMF
♦Eileen O’Connor’s Role: Member contributing evidence and policy recommendations at EU level.
Photographs taken at the EU Commission with Professor Yury Grigoriev, Eileen O’Connor, David Gee and Dr Isaac Jamieson
28 Mar 2014 – Athens Conference
♦Event: Contribution to Electromagnetic Fields and Health Effects: From Science to Precautionary Public Health Policy View PDF
Venue: Cotsen Hall, Athens, Greece EU Commission Workshop Panel Debate
Feb 2015 – Campaign on Electrosensitivity & EU Transparency
♦Action: The Radiation Research Trust (RRT) reported conflicts of interest of EESC member Richard Adams. In February 2015, RRT issued a formal notice to Adams, holding him accountable for disregarding evidence on the hazards of radiofrequency (RF) and electromagnetic fields (EMF).
♦Impact: The letter of notice was supported by many NGOs. RRT submitted a complaint to the EU Ombudsman, who investigated the concerns and upheld the complaint, recommending stricter rules regarding transparency for EESC members and future debates.
♦Event: Eileen O’Connor and Dr Erica Mallery Blythe met Natalie Bennett to raise awareness of wireless radiation risks. Read the full document
Advocacy & 5G Opposition (2019–2020)
Sept 2019 – RRT International Conference: “Radiation Health London”
2019 – Letters of Notice to UK Government on 5G
May 2020 – RFK Jr. Joins RRT Letter to PM Boris Johnson
♦Action: In April 2020, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dafna Tachover, Susan Foster, and the EM Radiation Research Trust issued a joint call to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, urging a halt to the 5G rollout due to concerns over potential health risks, particularly to children.
♦Impact: The initiative was prominently featured in the Children’s Health Defense network. Despite the widespread attention, the UK government has not yet responded.
Image featuring Boris Johnson PM, RFK Jr and Eileen O’Connor created by Children’s Health Defense USA
Ongoing UK Policy Engagement (2020–2025)
2020s – Local Advocacy with Sefton Council
♦Action:Continuous Advocacy on EMF Risks: Engaging with local and UK government, attending Town Hall meetings, submitting public questions, and issuing objection letters to influence infrastructure planning and regulatory decisions. Call to Action & 📄 Monster Mast Infographic & Action Pack
♦Radiation Research Trust’s (RRT) written evidence submitted to the UK Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee Inquiry titled Connected Tech: Smart or Sinister?
♦In this submission, dated 22 June 2022, the RRT outlines its concerns regarding the health implications of electromagnetic radiation from connected technologies. The charity advocates for a precautionary approach to the deployment of such technologies, emphasising the need for public awareness and official scrutiny.
Jan 2023 – Smart Meter Complaint Letters
♦Action: In 2023, the EM Radiation Research Trust (RRT) issued formal letters highlighting health and privacy concerns with smart meters. The letter was sent to Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.
♦Impact: The letter prompted a formal response from the UK Government, acknowledging the issues raised. This contributed to wider debate and increased public awareness.
September 2024 – Meeting with Andrew Mitchell MP ♦Event: EM Radiation Research Trust Director Eileen O’Connor, Dr Shirin Joseph, Mr Philip Palser, and Ian Jarvis met with Andrew Mitchell MP. ♦Action: They discussed concerns about 5G infrastructure, planning processes, and called for Andrew Mitchell to write to the responsible Minister. he EM Radiation Research Trust has also submitted concerns to the Planning Policy Consultation Committee.
July 2025 – Sefton Council Public Meeting Incident
♦Event: Public questions on EMFs were denied, generating media coverage. On 10th July 2025, a Sefton Council meeting at Southport Town Hall was disrupted after a member of the public raised a question about the Council’s stance on 5G mobile phone masts, particularly concerning individuals with medical implants. The Council’s response, citing adherence to national guidelines and lack of refusals on health grounds, led to a heated exchange and the meeting’s abrupt end. radiationresearch.org+5radiationresearch.org+5radiationresearch.org+5
♦Subsequent Actions by Radiation Research Trust
♦In support of Sefton residents’ concerns, the Radiation Research Trust submitted a formal letter to Sefton Council on 1st August 2025. The letter emphasised the need for the Council to reconsider its position on 5G deployments, urging a more cautious approach in light of public health considerations. radiationresearch.org+2radiationresearch.org+2
♦ The RRT has also raised a formal complaint regarding the rejection of Eileen O’Connor’s questions, which were submitted in accordance with Sefton Council’s constitution but denied. The complaint has now advanced to Stage 2.
Aug 2025 – Submission to UK Parliament Digital ID Inquiry