Deepcut families renew call for public inquiry

Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth today made a statement to the House of Commons giving the results of a Board of Inquiry investigations have examined the events leading up to the deaths of Privates Geoff Gray and James Collinson more than seven years ago.

The recruits, both 17, were found dead within six months of each other.

The Minister stated, that the Board of Inquiry agrees with the coroner's open verdict in both cases.  He made recommendations which focus on support to bereaved families; the service inquiry process, including tracking the implementation of recommendations; and the need to maintain momentum with continuous improvement in the training environment.

The Minister further stated, "the release of these Board of Inquiries does not alter our position on the need for a public inquiry. Given the range of investigations that have now taken place, we do not believe there is any wider public or service interest in pursuing one".

Mr Gray, 45, of Hackney, east London, has always maintained that his son's death has never been properly investigated and said of the Board of Inquiry report: It's no substitute for a public inquiry.

"I don't think we will ever get proper answers until we have a proper, independent public inquiry" said Jim Collinson, James Collinson's father.

Sources:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2009-05-14b.61WS.1&s=deepcut

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4360596.Deepcut_families_to_see_Army_reports/