Friendly Fire

HUGH QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT OVER BRITISH FRIENDLY FIRE FATALITIES

Hugh Robertson,who saw service in the 1991 Gulf War as Adjutant of a main battle tank regiment, has questioned the Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, over the deaths of British servicemen in friendly fire incidents. One of the soldiers killed came from Hugh's old regiment.

The United States is due to publish its own report on the incidents on the internet this week. However, there is currently no date for the publication of any British investigation, which is causing anxiety to both the relatives and the army.

Hugh, therefore, wanted to know from the Secretary of State what resources were devoted to the British investigation, when the investigation would be published and what consultation had taken place with the American forces.

He did not get an answer.

Hugh said: "Deaths in combat due to friendly for cause untold distress to the regiments and units involved and the victims' families.

"The United States report is completed and ready to be published. However, there is no date for the publication of a British report or any indication of when it might be ready.

"I urge the Ministry of Defence to devote significant resources to the issue and to get the report published as soon as possible.

"It would be unforgivable to get this wrong."