Willie Rennie calls for action after Deepcut Inquiry

12.22.04pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Mar 2006

Nicholas Blake QC has today published his report on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Privates James Collinson, Geoff Gray, Cheryl James and Sean Benton at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut.

Commenting on the report, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson, Willie Rennie MP, said:

"This report exposes serious failings in the Army welfare system.

"Although Mr Blake finds no evidence the trainees were bullied to death, the MOD's own surveys show a staggering 85% of soldiers say there is bullying in the Army.

"There is now an overwhelming case for the establishment of an independent military complaints commission, to prevent tragedies like this ever recurring.

"The Government's resistance to such proposals, unambiguously endorsed by the Commons Defence Committee, is increasingly untenable.

"Ministers should give their support to a commission which would serve to protect the interests of the brave men and women who do so much to protect the interests of this country.

"As the only country in the EU which recruits soldiers at the age of 16, we need to ensure the highest standards of welfare for young recruits."