The families of the 29 military personnel killed in the 1994 RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre have asked Andy Burnham to launch an independent review of the disaster. They accused the UK government of maintaining a “cover-up culture” for decades.
The Chinook HC2 helicopter crashed while flying from Northern Ireland, killing everyone on board. The pilots were initially blamed but cleared in a 2011 inquiry that left the cause undetermined.
Families demand fresh inquiry after court setback
A High Court judge ruled this month that the families could not sue the Ministry of Defence because the case was filed too late. The Chinook Justice Campaign, representing over 55 relatives of 25 victims, announced plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
Matt Tobias, whose father died in the crash, said the families hoped to avoid prolonged legal battles. He urged Burnham to meet them within his first 100 days in office to present new evidence and advocate for a review independent of the MoD.
“We would urge Mr Burnham to meet us within his first 100 days so we can present the evidence that has emerged and explain why a fresh review, independent of the Ministry of Defence, is essential,” Tobias said.
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The families argued in a letter to Burnham that the case could test the new Hillsborough law, which requires public officials to act transparently during investigations. MPs unanimously approved the law earlier this month.
Former defence secretary raises concerns over withheld evidence
Liam Fox, who ordered the 2011 review, said last month he had “deep concerns” that key information may have been hidden. He questioned the MoD’s account of the Chinook’s airworthiness at the time of the crash.
Fox now supports a new inquiry, citing a “strong enough belief” that a deliberate cover-up occurred. The campaign group has demanded full access to all documents about the helicopter’s condition and the events leading to the crash.
The MoD did not respond directly to the allegations. A spokesperson expressed sympathy for the families and acknowledged the court ruling would be “disappointing.” The statement confirmed ministers had met with the campaign and said they would “continue to engage to hear concerns.”
After 32 years, Tobias said the families sought only the truth, not special treatment.
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