Key facts
- Families of victims of a 1994 RAF Chinook crash are urging Andy Burnham to order an independent review.
- The crash killed 29 military personnel on the Mull of Kintyre.
- Concerns exist that vital information was withheld by the Ministry of Defence.
- A recent high court ruling prevented families from bringing a legal claim against the MoD.
- The Chinook Justice Campaign plans to pursue the case at the European court of human rights.
- Families hope the case will serve as a test for the new Hillsborough law.
Families of victims of a 1994 RAF Chinook crash have called on Andy Burnham to initiate an independent review into the disaster, citing concerns over potential information suppression by the Ministry of Defence. The Chinook HC2 helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, killing all 29 military personnel on board. While the pilots were initially blamed, they were later exonerated in 2011, though the cause of the crash remained undetermined.
Liam Fox, a former Conservative defence secretary, has voiced support for a new inquiry, suggesting that crucial details regarding the aircraft's airworthiness may have been misrepresented by the MoD. This call for transparency comes after a recent high court ruling denied several victims' families the ability to pursue legal claims against the MoD due to the passage of time.
The Chinook Justice Campaign (CJC), representing over 55 family members of 25 victims, stated their preference for a fresh review over prolonged litigation. They hope to present evidence to Mr. Burnham, highlighting his past speeches on ending Britain's 'cover-up culture' and strengthening the duty of candour. The families believe this case could serve as a precedent for the new Hillsborough law, which mandates transparency from public officials during investigations.
An MoD spokesperson conveyed sympathy to the families and acknowledged the disappointment stemming from the recent court judgment, stating that ministers have met with the CJC and will continue to engage on the matter.