Smith prompts review of Fatal Accident Inquiries

7/3/08

Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed news that her proposal to introduce Fatal Accident Inquiries for military personnel killed abroad will be examined by Lord Cullen as part of a wider review of Fatal Accidents.

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“I am delighted that this review will examine my proposal of introducing Fatal Accident Inquiries for soldiers killed abroad.  This news will be welcomed by the families of those military personnel and many others who have contacted me with their concerns about the current arrangements for Fatal Accident Inquiries.

“I have been working to highlight the current, unacceptable, situation whereby grieving families have to make long journeys to attend the inquest of a loved one killed while fighting for their country abroad. 

“I believe that 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.

“These soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  It is incumbent on the Government to provide support to their loved ones.”