Smith urges Government to stop stalling over Soldier Inquests

19/2/08

Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to stop stalling over Fatal Accident Inquiries for investigating the deaths of Scottish military personnel killed overseas. 

The Edinburgh West MSP has received a response to a Parliamentary Question which revealed that the Scottish Government is in discussions with the UK Government about how best to deal with the deaths of Scottish based military personnel closer to home, but has yet to come to a decision about how to proceed.

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“I am pleased that the Justice Secretary has taken on board my concerns about the need for Fatal Accident Inquiries after initially rejecting my idea last autumn.

“The Scottish Government must act now to stop grieving families having to make long journeys to attend the inquest in England of a loved one killed while fighting for their country abroad. 

“While I appreciate that there are delicate legal issues to resolve, the UK Government has signalled its desire for the Scottish Government to take on these powers and fulfil the debt we owe the personnel who have died while serving our country. We must do all we can to provide support to their loved ones.”

Margaret’s Question and the Minister’s response:

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive  whether, following recent discussions with the UK Government, it is persuaded of the need for fatal accident inquiries for investigating the deaths of Scottish military personnel killed overseas.(S3W-09013)

Mr Kenny MacAskill: Discussions are still continuing with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence and the Scotland Office on how the investigations into the deaths of Scottish-based service personnel can be dealt with closer to home and in a way which minimises the distress for bereaved families. There are, however, difficult legal issues which have to be addressed before a solution can be found. There is a shared desire with the UK Government to reduce the additional stress for bereaved families caused by them having to travel to England to attend a coroners inquest. We are well aware of the sensitivities around this and are determined to find a solution to this important issue as soon as possible.