MOD slammed for Nimrod safety delay
Minister admits measures put back another 6 months
The Ministry of Defence is coming under criticism for delaying the implementation of key safety recommendations in Nimrod aircraft.
The revelation came during todays Nimrod safety debate called by Westminster SNP leader Angus Robertson MP in the wake of the tragic loss of Nimrod XV230 in Afghanistan which killed 14 servicemen.
The entire Nimrod fleet is based in RAF Kinloss in Mr Robertson’s Moray constituency.
During the Westminster Hall Debate Defence Minister Bob Ainsworth MP confirmed that the full implementation of key safety criteria was now expected in June 2009, in contrast to recent MOD evidence to a Coroners Inquest which promised completion by the end of 2008.
Following the loss of Nimrod XV230 the MOD commissioned a report by defence contractor QinetiQ, which concluded there were 30 safety improvements needed before the risk-level of the Nimrod fleet was at the acceptable standard of “as low as reasonably practicable” (ALARP).
Speaking after the debate Mr Robertson said:
“It is a real concern that the MOD has delayed the implementation of key safety requirements for the Nimrod aircraft fleet.
“The Minister gave no explanation for the slippage which is hardly going to provide the reassurance that so many people want to hear.
“Defence contractor QinetiQ made 30 key recommendations in October 2007 and the MOD has still not confirmed how many have been implemented in full and when the rest will be completed.
“Having paid more than £26 million pounds for this advice it is beyond me why senior MOD managers are dragging their feet.
“It is like your car failing its MOT and taking 20 months to make the necessary improvements. It wouldn’t be allowed in a motor vehicle, so I don’t see why the MOD think it is acceptable for an RAF aircraft.”