Skip to main content

Armed Forces: Deepcut Review

Volume 710: debated on Thursday 14 May 2009

Statement

My right honourable friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Bob Ainsworth) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

I am announcing today the findings of the Boards of Inquiry (BOIs) into the tragic deaths at Deepcut of Privates Gray and Collinson. 

The impact of their untimely deaths was felt, not just across the MoD, but across the nation.  Our thoughts are with all their families and friends at this difficult time. 

The BOIs were delayed due to the other investigations and reviews into the deaths at Deepcut, which had to be completed first.  Having convened, they were subsequently reconvened to clarify evidence.  We deeply regret the additional distress that the delay to the BOIs has caused to the families of Privates Gray and Collinson. 

The next of kin were present at the BOI proceedings and have been presented with copies of the reports. 

The board agrees with the coroner’s open verdict in both cases.  In the case of Private Collinson, the board concludes that there were no indications in his general behaviour during his time in the Army to suggest that he was at any risk.  In the case of Private Gray, the BOI concurs with Blake in concluding that there is no substantial evidence supporting third-party involvement in his death.  In addition to covering the specific circumstances surrounding the deaths, each report covers the background to Deepcut from 1993 until the time of the deaths, including such issues as discipline, staff selection, welfare support and guarding arrangements.  Both reports also detail the changes that have been made since the deaths to address these issues. 

The BOIs make 19 identical recommendations and the Gray BOI makes one further recommendation.  The recommendations are wide-ranging and there is considerable overlap with those made in earlier reviews and investigations into the deaths at Deepcut.  For this reason all have been addressed and further work has been put in train to ensure that all possible related improvements are made.  The recommendations focus on support to bereaved families; the service inquiry process, including tracking the implementation of recommendations; and the need to maintain momentum with continuous improvement in the training environment.

The release of these BOIs does not alter our position on the need for a public inquiry.  Given the range of investigations that have now taken place, we do not believe there is any wider public or service interest in pursuing one. 

I will arrange for copies of both BOI reports, redacted in accordance with guidance on the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act, to be placed in the Library of the House.  Both documents will also be published on the MoD website at www.foi.mod.uk.