JTO:-
It is a distortion to say that the MoD lied over ESF... it would be unfair to compare this to a deliberate lie - those that were asked simply did not know.
Seems fair enough to me. If the MOD was offered ESF as part of the ex-factory fit and declined, then further lobbied by the sharp end for that protection in many of the hot spots that the fleet was deployed to and declined, then declares no knowledge of the process whatsoever, that constitutes a lie in my book.
No doubt many of those sent to (mis)represent the MOD at inquests, FAIs etc were selected for the task not for their knowledge but for their lack of it, but that very cynical act is part of the lie also. The MOD is a prolific liar, to the extent that it now believes many of its own lies. That still makes it a liar.