Latest news with #MullOfKintyre
The Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Public ‘sick of cover-ups' at MoD, says Chinook crash campaigner
Calls for a public inquiry into the 1994 Mull of Kintyre Chinook crash have seen a surge in support in the wake of revelations about the Afghan data leak, with one campaigner saying it shows the public are 'sick of cover-ups and secrecy' at the Ministry of Defence (MoD). All 29 military and intelligence personnel on board RAF Chinook ZD576 were killed when the aircraft crashed in foggy weather en route from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to Fort George near Inverness on June 2, 1994. The bereaved families have called for a judge-led inquiry into the incident, which was initially blamed on pilot error before this was overturned in 2011. A petition calling for an inquiry saw a surge in support last week after campaigners took to social media to criticise efforts to cover up the leak of thousands of names of Afghans who had helped UK troops, which they said was another case of the MoD 'covering up its own mess'. Chris Cook, whose pilot brother Rick was killed in the 1994 crash, said: 'This Afghan cover-up shows that the MoD hasn't just lost its moral compass but has managed to avoid all democratic accountability and scrutiny. 'It hid this data leak from the very people who are meant to keep it in line – the Intelligence and Security Committee, which had a legal right to see the intelligence assessments.' He added: 'The MoD has become the Ministry of Deceit. It lies, it obfuscates and it squirrels away its mistakes until it is found out – just as it has with the Chinook crash. 'It took us 16 years to clear my brother's name, and all that time the MoD claimed information didn't exist – until we found it and then they questioned how we got the information. 'The trouble with this whole case over 31 years, and so many other MoD cases – the helicopter cancer cases, the nuclear vets, is that so much information has been suppressed. 'It seems that the Ministry of Deceit is unable to uphold the values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality which they expect our armed forces to serve with. 'It's time for truth and transparency at the MoD and it's time for the Prime Minister to step in and clear up the MoD's many outstanding cases of deception, with a legal duty of candour imposed.' In a social media post, the Chinook Justice group said: '#Coverup appears to be the mantra of the British state… with the MoD at the centre of it. Again.' In another it said the petition had got the 'zoomies' as the number of signatories doubled in the space of eight hours to more than 22,000. Andy Tobias, who was eight when his father Lt Col John Tobias was killed in the crash, said: 'Clearly, we have touched a nerve with the British public who are sick of cover-ups and secrecy at the MoD. 'Like many other families – from Hillsborough to sub-postmasters, the infected blood scandal to nuclear veterans and MoD helicopter cancer victims, and now Afghan families – we should not have to fight tooth and nail for truth, transparency and justice from the Government. 'That's why we are calling for a legal duty of candour. Enough is enough.' Following an appeal by Mr Tobias, former defence secretary Sir Liam Fox has agreed to meet the bereaved families to discuss the matter. The news comes on the back of the former minister's offer to intervene on their behalf with the MoD and 'if necessary' the Prime Minister to push for an inquiry, as reported in the Daily Mail newspaper. The MoD has been approached for comment.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public ‘sick of cover-ups' at MoD, says Chinook crash campaigner
Calls for a public inquiry into the 1994 Mull of Kintyre Chinook crash have seen a surge in support in the wake of revelations about the Afghan data leak, with one campaigner saying it shows the public are 'sick of cover-ups and secrecy' at the Ministry of Defence (MoD). All 29 military and intelligence personnel on board RAF Chinook ZD576 were killed when the aircraft crashed in foggy weather en route from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to Fort George near Inverness on June 2, 1994. The bereaved families have called for a judge-led inquiry into the incident, which was initially blamed on pilot error before this was overturned in 2011. A petition calling for an inquiry saw a surge in support last week after campaigners took to social media to criticise efforts to cover up the leak of thousands of names of Afghans who had helped UK troops, which they said was another case of the MoD 'covering up its own mess'. Chris Cook, whose pilot brother Rick was killed in the 1994 crash, said: 'This Afghan cover-up shows that the MoD hasn't just lost its moral compass but has managed to avoid all democratic accountability and scrutiny. 'It hid this data leak from the very people who are meant to keep it in line – the Intelligence and Security Committee, which had a legal right to see the intelligence assessments.' He added: 'The MoD has become the Ministry of Deceit. It lies, it obfuscates and it squirrels away its mistakes until it is found out – just as it has with the Chinook crash. 'It took us 16 years to clear my brother's name, and all that time the MoD claimed information didn't exist – until we found it and then they questioned how we got the information. 'The trouble with this whole case over 31 years, and so many other MoD cases – the helicopter cancer cases, the nuclear vets, is that so much information has been suppressed. 'It seems that the Ministry of Deceit is unable to uphold the values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality which they expect our armed forces to serve with. 'It's time for truth and transparency at the MoD and it's time for the Prime Minister to step in and clear up the MoD's many outstanding cases of deception, with a legal duty of candour imposed.' 'This Afghan cover up shows that the Ministry of Defence hasn't just lost its moral compass but has managed to avoid all democratic accountability and scrutiny. Just like the Chinook crash, it has covered up its own mess as usual. The MoD has become the Ministry of Deceit." — Chinook Justice (@ChinookJustice) July 18, 2025 In a social media post, the Chinook Justice group said: '#Coverup appears to be the mantra of the British state… with the MoD at the centre of it. Again.' In another it said the petition had got the 'zoomies' as the number of signatories doubled in the space of eight hours to more than 22,000. Andy Tobias, who was eight when his father Lt Col John Tobias was killed in the crash, said: 'Clearly, we have touched a nerve with the British public who are sick of cover-ups and secrecy at the MoD. 'Like many other families – from Hillsborough to sub-postmasters, the infected blood scandal to nuclear veterans and MoD helicopter cancer victims, and now Afghan families – we should not have to fight tooth and nail for truth, transparency and justice from the Government. 'That's why we are calling for a legal duty of candour. Enough is enough.' Following an appeal by Mr Tobias, former defence secretary Sir Liam Fox has agreed to meet the bereaved families to discuss the matter. The news comes on the back of the former minister's offer to intervene on their behalf with the MoD and 'if necessary' the Prime Minister to push for an inquiry, as reported in the Daily Mail newspaper. The MoD has been approached for comment.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Fox to push PM on Chinook probe
Former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox has vowed to lobby the Prime Minister for answers over the Chinook helicopter tragedy on the Mull of Kintyre amid fears of a 'cover-up'. The families of British intelligence personnel killed in the crash in 1994 are suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in an attempt to end three decades of secrecy over the disaster. As Defence Secretary in 2011, Sir Liam published the results of an independent review, led by Lord Philip, which recommended that an earlier finding that the pilots were negligent to a gross degree should be 'set aside'. But Sir Liam told the Mail he was determined to help families of those killed in the Chinook tragedy - saying he felt 'disquiet' over the suggestion that information may have been withheld. Sir Liam, who was Defence Secretary from 2010-11, said: 'I was instrumental in getting answers for the families last time with the review which found the cause was not pilot error. 'At the time, I was very concerned that there should be no cover-up and when I saw some reports that there may have been questions about the airworthiness of the Chinook, this made me anxious that everything we could find out was in the public domain. 'If the families remain concerned, I would be prepared to intervene with the MoD, and if necessary with the Prime Minister, to ensure that at no time were the facts withheld. 'I was and remain determined that the families get closure and that there is no possibility of a cover-up. 'We all feel a bit of disquiet that everything we needed to know may not have been available – it may require further investigation, but I am determined to get to the truth.' The Chinook helicopter, known by its serial number Zulu Delta 576, went down in fog on the Kintyre peninsula on June 2, 1994. It was carrying 25 senior intelligence officials from the British Army, MI5 and the RUC from Northern Ireland to a meeting in Scotland. All on board died, including four special forces crew. The RAF initially blamed the pilots but later this claim was withdrawn. The MoD has sealed documents relating to the incident until 2094, meaning few living relatives will ever know exactly what happened to their loved ones. Earlier this month, exactly 31 years after the tragedy, lawyers for relatives of the dead formally launched a legal action as part of their campaign for a full and final inquiry. Mark Stephens, from law firm Howard Kennedy, and barristers from Doughty Street Chambers, are representing relatives of 23 of the 29 people who died. Working pro bono, they have sent a letter to the MoD saying they are seeking a judicial review 'into the government's failure, and refusal, to order a judge-led public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash, under Article 2 of the Human Rights Act which protects the right to life'. There have been other formal investigations, including a fatal accident inquiry. Mr Stephens and the other lawyers do not believe these were valid as they did not have access to the sealed documents. Their claim states: 'These investigations have been hampered by limited access to important information and evidence, and unduly narrow scopes of investigation.' Family members said they only discovered a 100-year rule had been applied to the crash after watching a BBC documentary. Esme Sparks, a teacher, from Darlington, Co Durham, whose father, Major Gary Sparks died on Zulu Delta 576, told The Times: 'We don't want to have to take legal action against the government and MoD but we do want and need answers surrounding the circumstances of this crash. 'We want to know who or what is being protected? Who made the decision to let this helicopter take off? What is being hidden? In our view a public inquiry is key.' The families have particular concerns about a retro-fit to the helicopter before its crash. The aircraft was said to have experienced 'unpredictable malfunctions' as well as 'shutdowns and surges in power'. Engineers at Boscombe Down, an MoD test centre, said the helicopter should 'not to be relied upon in any way whatsoever'. One of those who died in the crash was Anne James, 42, who was born and brought up in Lennoxtown, near Glasgow, and had worked at GCHQ in Cheltenham for almost 24 years. The MoD said it would not comment on the 'actions of a former minister'. A spokesman said: 'The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died. 'We have received a pre-action protocol letter from the Chinook Justice Campaign and are considering our response. 'Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further.'
The Independent
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Son of Chinook 1994 helicopter crash victim visits memorial and asks for answers
The son of a victim of the RAF 1994 Chinook helicopter crash is calling on the Prime Minister to intervene and allow a public inquiry after visiting the site of the disaster. RAF Chinook ZD576 was carrying 25 British intelligence personnel from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to a conference at Fort George near Inverness when it crashed in foggy weather on June 2 1994 on the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. All 25 passengers – made up of personnel from MI5, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the British Army – were killed, along with the helicopter's four crew members. Joel Hornby, whose father Major Anthony Hornby was one of the victims, visited a memorial cairn at the crash site on Saturday and again on Sunday. He and other families have said they will press on with seeking a judicial review after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) dismissed their demands for a judge-led public inquiry into the incident, and have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer asking him to intervene. Mr Hornby, who was seven when his father died, visited the site with his one-year-old son and laid a wreath at the cairn along with a note which read 'Dad, we are still fighting for you'. Speaking afterwards Mr Hornby, who lives in Berlin in Germany, said: 'We, the families of those lost, have still been denied answers over 30 years on. 'The MoD has rejected our request for a full judge-led public inquiry, and furthermore, has sealed documents relating to the crash for 100 years. 'We are requesting that the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer live up to his promises on duty of candour and overrule the MoD's decision.' He has also urged people to sign a petition calling on the Prime Minister to overturn the MoD decision and release the documents. Following the crash, the Chinook's pilots, Flight Lieutenants Richard Cook and Jonathan Tapper, were accused of gross negligence, but this verdict was overturned by the UK Government 17 years later following a campaign by the families. A subsequent review by Lord Philip set out 'numerous concerns' raised by those who worked on the Chinooks, with the MoD's testing centre at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire declaring the Chinook Mk2 helicopters 'unairworthy' prior to the crash. In a statement after the calls made by the families on Friday an MoD spokesperson said: 'The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died. 'We understand that the lack of certainty about the cause of the crash has added to the distress of the families. 'We provided a detailed and considered response to the pre-action protocol letter stating the reasons why we cannot accept the demand for establishing a new public inquiry. 'It's unlikely that a public inquiry would identify any new evidence or reach new conclusions on the basis of existing evidence. 'The accident has already been the subject of six inquiries and investigations, including an independent judge-led review.' The MoD has been asked if it wishes to make further comment.
Telegraph
28-06-2025
- Telegraph
Chinook crash families ‘disgusted' after MoD refuses public inquiry
Relatives of those killed in a Chinook helicopter crash said they were 'furious and disgusted' after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) refused their request for a judge-led public inquiry. RAF Chinook ZD576 was carrying 25 British intelligence personnel from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland to a conference at Fort George near Inverness when it crashed in foggy weather in the Mull of Kintyre on June 2 1994. All 25 passengers – made up of personnel from MI5, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the British Army – were killed, along with the helicopter's four crew members. The families launched legal action in a 'letter before action' to the UK Government sent earlier this month on the 31st anniversary of the crash. They said they would now pursue a judicial review after the MoD rejected their demands for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash, and for access to files that have been sealed for 100 years. Nicola Rawcliffe, whose brother Major Christopher Dockerty was killed in the crash aged 33, said: 'I am furious and disgusted with the MoD's decision to summarily dismiss our claim. 'The MoD is continuing to deceive our families and disrespect our loved ones' memories by claiming that the many previous inquiries investigated all the facts, but we now know the aircraft was not airworthy. They didn't know half of what we know now. 'The Government may have sealed the files for 100 years, but we, the families of those who died, are firmly united, strong and defiant, and we will get to the truth, no matter what it takes.' Following the crash, the Chinook's pilots, Flt Lt Richard Cook and Flt Lt Jonathan Tapper, were accused of gross negligence, but this verdict was overturned by the UK government 17 years later following a campaign by the families. A subsequent review by Lord Philip set out 'numerous concerns' raised by those who worked on the Chinooks, with the MoD's testing centre at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire declaring the Chinook Mk2 helicopters 'unairworthy' before the crash. The MoD said the crash was a 'tragic accident' and while its sympathies remain with the families and friends of the victims, there have been several investigations and inquiries and it believes it is unlikely another would reach any new conclusions. Andy Tobias, who was eight when his father Lt Col John Tobias, 41, was killed, said: 'My childhood was stolen from me because someone decided my dad and his colleagues should be put on a helicopter that was not fit for purpose. 'My mum, my brother, I and all the families deserve the truth and the MoD must repay the honour and integrity that those on board had shown in their years of service to their country. 'That's why we formed the Chinook Justice Campaign and we will not rest until we get the truth. If that takes a judge to rule in court, then so be it.' The families said failing to order a public inquiry is a breach of the UK Government's human rights obligations. Solicitor Mark Stephens, from law firm Howard Kennedy, said: 'This decision by the MoD to dismiss our claim is an unforgivable betrayal of service people who gave their lives for their country and an undisguised slap in the face for their long-suffering and bereaved families. 'So much for the Government's so-called commitment to duty of candour. 'We will now seek a judicial review into the Ministry of Defence's decision to deny the families truth, transparency and justice.' 'Tragic accident' An MoD spokesman said: 'The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died. 'We understand that the lack of certainty about the cause of the crash has added to the distress of the families. 'We provided a detailed and considered response to the pre-action protocol letter stating the reasons why we cannot accept the demand for establishing a new public inquiry. 'It's unlikely that a public inquiry would identify any new evidence or reach new conclusions on the basis of existing evidence. 'The accident has already been the subject of six inquiries and investigations, including an independent judge-led review.' It is understood the sealed documents contain personal information relating to third party individuals and the early release of this information would breach those individuals' data protection rights.
