Speaking after raising the matter directly with the Prime Minister, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“In June 1994, 29 senior security force and intelligence personnel were tragically killed when a Chinook helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre. Among those who died were some of the most dedicated and courageous individuals serving this country. Alongside them was a skilled and committed RAF crew.

Several of the bereaved families live in Upper Bann, and they have been in touch with me over their ongoing fight for truth and transparency. For three decades, they have sought answers, yet the official record remains sealed. At a time when the Government is spending millions on inquiries into the deaths of terrorists who were engaged in acts of violence, these families have been denied even the most basic level of accountability. They simply want to know what is being hidden.”

“Today, I asked the Prime Minister to ensure that these families are heard as part of his new Bill on Public Accountability, and I am delighted that he has agreed that the Government will meet with them. This is a long-overdue step toward fairness and justice for those who lost loved ones in the service of our nation. The families have been denied meetings with Ministers, Officials and former Prime Ministers therefore this is a significant step forward.”

Mrs Lockhart said she will continue to work closely with the families to ensure that the meeting takes place promptly and that their voices are heard at the highest levels of Government.

“These families deserve truth, transparency, and respect. I will stand with them until that is delivered.”