Renewed hope for families of those killed in the 1994 Mull of Kintyre RAF Chinook crash
Families of the crew and passengers killed in the Chinook crash in Scotland have described their first meeting with government ministers as "positive" and said they felt "listened to".
For decades, bereaved families, under the Chinook Justice Group, have campaigned for a judge-led public inquiry, an appeal Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has so far rejected.
After 18 months of seeking talks, the families met three MOD ministers – Lord Coaker, Al Carns and Louise Sandher-Jones, along with Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones in London.
Evidence was presented and discussed, including the airworthiness of the helicopter, and ministers committed to ongoing engagement with the families.
'They listened to our concerns'
Four crew and 25 passengers were killed when the RAF Chinook HC-2 helicopter hit a hillside near the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. Those on board included MI5 officers, members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, British Army personnel, and four Special Forces crew members.
Andy Tobias, whose father, Lieutenant Colonel John Tobias, was among those killed in the crash, spoke to BFBS Forces News on the conclusion of the meeting, which he described as "positive".
"They listened to our concerns," he said. "Now, it's my opinion, when watching them and observing them as they were reviewing some of the evidence, that maybe some of that evidence was not known to them before.
"Which makes me question the previous comments made by the MOD that there's no new evidence and there's no need for a public enquiry."
The MOD sealed the documents relating to the crash until 2094 – long after the children of those who perished in the crash will themselves have died – citing data protection for individuals involved and claiming no new evidence would emerge.
"It is our hope, and they have given us [their] commitment that they will review all the documentation that we have, and they have committed to engage with us again in the new year.
"And it is our hope that once they review all the evidence and all the facts that are unquestionable regarding airworthiness, they will concede and give us the public inquiry that we deserve and do the right thing."
Representatives of the Chinook Justice Campaign said evidence surrounding the airworthiness of the helicopter was discussed in the meeting.
Niven Phoenix, son of Detective Superintendent Ian Phoenix, who was killed in the crash, described the meeting as "constructive".
"I felt it was a dialogue, I felt we were listened to [and] I didn't feel patronised," he said.
"I didn't see the obfuscation, the things that we were used to from the MOD in the past – some of which have been absolutely heinous."
He added that families were able to challenge what he described as "outright lies" from the MOD, including claims made in response to a Freedom of Information request about the release to service – a declaration confirming that maintenance or repairs on an aircraft have been completed to approved standards.
The families were previously told no such declaration existed for that aircraft, and that it was not mandatory until 1995-1996 – an assertion Mr Phoenix called "big fat lies".
But he remains hopeful, adding that they received a "commitment" to engage further, and to subject the evidence provided by the families to additional scrutiny.
Respect and understanding for the families
Sorcha Eastwood, the MP for Lagan Valley, who joined the Chinook Justice Campaign in the meeting, said it went "better than expected".
She said the families put together more than 330 new questions, which include "incredible technical detail" showing there is both "fresh evidence and new questions" that need to be asked.
"I think there are a number of constructive and positive developments, particularly the commitment, ongoing engagement and dialogue, I think, is really key," she said.
"The families, as a whole, were pleased with the fact that not only do the ministers listen, but they ask questions, they seem to start interrogating some of the data and the information."
She added that the ministers had a "respect and understanding" that they were talking to service families, who deserved to be treated with dignity.
'I'd like to see it come to an end'
An MOD spokesperson acknowledged that "the lack of certainty" about the cause of the crash had added to the distress for families.
After 31 years, this week's meeting provided a renewed hope for the families, who have long maintained that the incident was the subject of a cover-up.
For Mr Phoenix, it marks an important step forward.
"You know, I actually feel quite lucky compared to some of the other families… I was lucky – I knew my father.
"I was 21 at the time of the crash, but seeing it again and experiencing their pain has opened up old wounds. That's not to say it's a bad thing, but it's been [an] emotional, tiring, fatiguing journey and I'd like to see it come to an end."
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