Liam Fox replies to James Gray complaint
It appears Liam Fox is taking this issue much more seriously than the hapless james gray MP. More power to the Doctor's elbow. It appears he is supportive for the call to fit foam across the fleet. Wonder where this leaves Mr Gray now his own boss has decided not to "let it lie".
"I have been forwarded a copy of your e-mail to David Cameron, who has
asked that I respond on his behalf in my position as Shadow Secretary of
Defence.
I know that the other members of my Shadow Defence Team would want to join me in expressing our sorrow. I hope that I can respond to some of the points you have raised.
In Iraq our Armed Forces are doing a tremendous job under very difficult
circumstances. While we hope the situation will improve, Iraq is likely
to remain a dangerous place for the foreseeable future. It is not
possible to protect our servicemen and women against all eventualities,
but where a protection is feasible and practical the Government has a
duty of care towards those who serve to provide the optimum protection.
In the case of the C-130 aircraft, serious questions have been raised
over whether or not the Government failed in this duty of care.
Although the Government has provided the aircraft with the necessary
defensive aids suites essential when operating in an area like Iraq,
unlike the US and Australian Air Forces, the UK fleet of C-130s has not
been provided with fuel inerting technology. While there is no
guarantee that the introduction of this technology would save lives, the
chances of survival are increased. For this reason alone we have
supported the calls to provide this protection. Following the report on
the crash earlier in the year I wrote to the then Secretary of State,
urging the Government to adopt this measure.
This pressure, together with calls from the families of those killed and
those serving in the RAF, seems to have had some limited success, as the
Government has now agreed to fit this technology to those aircraft
operating in the most dangerous theatres. While this represents a step
in the right direction and will enhance the safety of our servicemen it
does not provide protection to the entire fleet, leaving them vulnerable
in some areas. The Government also has provided little detail over what
constitute the most dangerous circumstances.
There is therefore still progress to be made on this issue, but rest
assured that we on the Opposition Front Bench will do all that we can to
bring pressure to bear on the Government to try to ensure that the RAF
is afforded this protection."
Last edited by nigegilb; 29th May 2006 at 04:48.