London MOD - Safety of Personnel of 'huge importance'
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said that it regards the safety of personnel as of «huge importance». They were responding to a query from the Celtic League following the death of a young Scottish cadet.
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Pointedly however the MOD have not replied to the Leagues query about the apparent failure to learn lessons from an earlier tragedy in which several young people died. They say that because of possible action by Scotland's Procurator Fiscal it would `not be appropriate to comment'.
«Date: 4 September 2009
Dear Mr Moffatt
Thank you for your letter dated 25 July to the Secretary of State for Defence in which you voiced your concerns about the death of Cadet Kaylee McIntosh.
Your letter has recently been passed to me, and I am sorry for the time it has taken to respond.
The Army and the Ministry of Defence are extremely sorry about the events which led to the death of Cadet Kaylee McIntosh and for the loss suffered by her family in particular. We have apologised unreservedly for any failures by the Ministry of Defence which contributed to her death.
The Procurator Fiscal is currently considering what further action may be required following the determination given at the Fatal Accident Inquiry. It would not be appropriate to comment on any specific aspects of this case until a conclusion has been reached.
However, I can assure you that the safety of our personnel is of huge importance and the Ministry of Defence takes all appropriate measures to minimise risks, including learning lessons from tragic accidents.
I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful at this time.
Yours sincerely
Emma Young
Headquarters Land Force Erskine Barracks Wilton Salisbury»
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
16/10/09
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