Public inquiry into Deepcut deaths ruled out

The government has ruled out a public inquiry into four deaths which occurred at the army's Deepcut Barracks training centre.

Speaking in the Commons today, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said that he did not underestimate the depth of feeling of families who have lost loved ones at Deepcut but he was not persuaded, given the intensive investigations and the new measures, "what more a public inquiry would achieve".

He said he knew this would be disappointing to the families but he hoped that MPs would recognise the openness and robustness of the approach outlined in his statement.

Four young people died at Deepcut between 1995 and 2002. Three cases were subject to coroner's inquests and police investigations and the Surrey police found no evidence to indicate any prospect of a prosecution. The fourth case has yet to be heard by the coroner.

The Minister said that the armed forces consistently act as a force for good, which would not be the case if the training system was fundamentally flawed.

He concluded: "Like all large systems, it needs improvement and regular maintenance. And I am determined that it will receive both".

It was also announced that all armed forces training establishments will now be inspected by an independent body.

Mr Ingram said that the Adult Learning Inspectorate, which examines and reports on the quality of education and training for adults and young people, will carry out its first inspection – which will include Deepcut Barracks – this autumn. He also announced an investment of more than £23 million in training and outlined progress in improving the system.

The Adult Learning Inspectorate will focus on initial training across all three Services and will look specifically at care and welfare. It will deliver its report by Easter.

(gmcg)