Deepcut And Beyond

EDM number 78 in 2003-04, proposed by Kevin McNamara on 26/11/2003.

That this House applauds the courage and determination of more than 40 victim families who have come together to establish 'Deepcut and Beyond: Armed Forces Families' Justice Campaign', an organisation that seeks truth for families of those whose death has not been investigated effectively, justice in holding to account and prosecuting those responsible, change to protect other families and prevent future deaths; supports the call for a full and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the four deaths at Deepcut; expresses its sadness that up to 2,000 members of Her Majesty's armed forces have lost their lives through non-natural causes since 1990 and sends condolences to all their families; notes that more than 200 deaths have been caused by discharge of firearms and further that more than 200 are described as self-inflicted; notes the growing public perception that the official response to these deaths is inadequate and distressing to the bereaved; believes the Army has a duty of care and protection towards all personnel, particularly young soldiers; believes that the culture of secrecy surrounding the varied causes of these deaths must give way to greater transparency; believes that the environment in which these deaths continue to occur and the absence of a system for prompt, effective and independent investigation of deaths has led to a breakdown in public confidence that can only be restored through a full and independent public inquiry; and urges the Government without delay to establish a Tribunal of Inquiry under the 1921 Act.

This motion has been signed by a total of 141 MPs, 2 of these signatures have been withdrawn.