Deaths of Corporal James Dunsby, Lance Corporal Craig Roberts and Lance Corporal Edward Maher: Inquest

Monday 12th October 2015 Written Statements

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Penny Mordaunt)]

On 15 July 2015 I made a statement regarding the inquest into the deaths of three Army Reservists, Corporal James Dunsby, Lance Corporal Craig Roberts and Lance Corporal Edward Maher who died as a result of training activity on the Brecon Beacons in Wales. I confirmed that following the conclusion of her inquest into the incident, HM Senior Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull highlighted a number of failings which contributed to the deaths of the three soldiers and made a number of recommendations to prevent future deaths. I responded to the Coroner on 14 September 2015 and, after allowing a short period for the Coroner and families to consider my response, I have today placed a copy of my response in the Library of the House. In addition to the improvements outlined in my letter we have a service inquiry under way to look at the wider safety aspects of such training and I will keep the House informed. My thoughts remain with the families of Corporal Dunsby, Lance Corporal Roberts and Lance Corporal Maher and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure such a tragic event cannot happen again.

[HCWS225]