Picking up on Mick's point. According to MoD regulations it was clear to Mr Walker and engineering experts including previous IPTLs that Nimrod is not airworthy. Work towards ALARP is not happening ASAP and resources are limited. Ainsworth stated that Nimrod is Airworthy and that he would never ask Nimrod crews to fly an aircraft that was not safe.
Does Ainsworth realise that Nimrod's tolerable risk has to be reduced to ALARP for it to comply with Health and Safety regs?
How safe are the British public?
Seems clear to me that Ainsworth's statement on Friday could be described as RECKLESS. He did not consult his Chiefs about the verdict and he does not have the qualifications to make such a statement. He cleared the Nimrod to continue to fly.
If anything does happen, it will be Ainsworth who takes the full responsibility.