Smith seeks Government support for Soldier Inquest Bill

23/11/07

Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Government to build on today’s announcement that Armed Forces personnel with health problems, caused by service to their country, are to get priority NHS treatment. The Edinburgh West MSP wants the Government to support her Members’ Bill calling for a change in the law to allow Fatal Accident Inquiries to be held into the deaths of Scottish soldiers abroad.

At present, only English coroners can investigate the cases of soldiers who are killed abroad.  Mrs Smith is seeking cross party support to allow a change to the law governing Fatal Accident Inquiries, which will allow Sheriffs to hold inquiries into soldier deaths.

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“I welcome today’s announcement that soldiers suffering health problems as a result of service to their country will be given NHS care as a priority.  I hope that the Scottish Government will go even further and support my Members’ Bill to introduce Fatal Accident Inquiries for soldiers killed abroad.

“It is unacceptable for grieving families to have to make long journeys to attend the inquest of a loved one killed while fighting for their country abroad. 

“We must amend the 1976 Fatal Accidents and Sudden Death Inquiry Act to allow Sheriffs to hold inquiries into military personnel, normally domiciled in Scotland, who are killed in active service overseas.

“I am seeking cross party support for this proposal and hope that we can move swiftly to deal with this anomaly and reduce the stress and burden on these families.”