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Proceeding contribution from Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 3 May 2006. It occurred during Adjournment debate on Army Barracks (Deaths).


Army Barracks (Deaths)

: Of course the hon. Lady is right. The Blake report goes so far in revealing what happened, but it could not do everything. However, a public inquiry could. I believe a public inquiry is the best, most effective tool to determine and understand what happened at Deepcut barracks. I hope that the campaign for one continues. What was most intriguing about the Blake report was the Government's response. As I have said, they have suggested that we move on. I think it was the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, who, surprisingly, is not present today, who said that the families should have no veto on this issue. I think the families are the most important stakeholders, and their views should be paramount in respect of how we take the issue forward. I hope that the Under-Secretary who is present does not share his colleague's view; I would like to hear his view on that. There were good recommendations in the Blake report, and I heard Blake say in the media that if all his recommendations were not implemented in full, he would back the call for a public inquiry. That is a challenge to Government to make sure that all the important recommendations, including the key one about an ombudsman, are implemented in full. We would all agree—including the families, the Ministry of Defence and those with an interest in military issues—that we want an end to this affair. I am relatively new to the subject—I took over as Yvonne and Jim Collinson's MP at the last general election, so I have been dealing with the subject for a year—but there will be a stage when we start to put the matter behind us. In response to the hon. Member for Hackney, South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier), the best way to get a conclusion on the subject would be to have that full, public inquiry. The shadow cast by Deepcut will remain until the matter of the deaths is finally dealt with. The campaign for a full public inquiry is as strong as ever, and the furore surrounding Deepcut will not end until that public inquiry is granted.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
445 c490-1WH 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
Subjects
Bullying Disclosure of information Abuse Accountability Death Army Coroners Human rights Liability Recruitment Military bases Public inquiries Young people Deepcut Barracks
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk