5-12-02

Barrett calls for inquiry into army deaths

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called for a full independent inquiry into the number of non-natural deaths in the UK armed forces.

Mr Barrett has signed a House of Commons motion calls on the Government to set up a tribunal inquiry to investigate the deaths of almost 2,000 members of the armed forces who have died through 'non-natural causes'.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

"There are clearly some serious questions that need answered as to why so many deaths have occurred over the last 10 years.

"The culture of secrecy which surrounds these cases is at best unhelpful and at worst distressing to the friends and family of those who have died. Many families are in fact still awaiting a proper answer to actually explain the cause of death.

"The Government should now consider holding an independent inquiry but also create an efficient and comprehensive system whereby deaths in the armed forces are quickly investigated to ensure that transparency and public confidence is upheld."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Mr Barrett has signed EDM 63 which states

That this House expresses its sadness that more than 1,748 members of Her Majesty's armed forces have lost their lives through non-natural causes since 1990 and sends condolences to all their families; notes that almost 200 deaths have been caused by discharge of firearms and further that some 200 are described as self-inflicted; notes the growing public perception that the Ministry of Defence response to these deaths is inadequate and distressing to the bereaved; applauds the courage and determination of the friends and families of Sean Benton, James Collinson, Geoff Gray and Cheryl James who died at Deepcut barracks in Surrey; and of Paul Cochrane, Ross Collins, Richard Donkin, Tony Green, Dale Little, Aled Martin Jones, Alfie Manship, Gary Riches, Richard Robertson, Alan Sharples, David Shipley and Christopher Young who have subsequently come forward to make public their own grievances and frustrations at the hands of the military authorities; believes the Army has a duty of care and protection towards all personnel, particularly young soldiers; believes that the culture of secrecy surrounding the varied cause of these deaths must give way to greater transparency; believes that the environment in which these deaths continue to occur and the absence of a system for prompt, effective and independent investigation of deaths has led to a breakdown in public confidence that can only be restored through a full and independent public inquiry; and urges the Government to establish a tribunal of inquiry without delay.