BORDERS MP CALLS FOR SCOTTISH INQUESTS FOR SCOTTISH PERSONNEL

11.05.35am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 5th May 2008

Borders MP and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, has called for inquests held for Scottish service personnel killed overseas to take place in Scotland. His call followed a statement by the Ministry of Justice on the delays in holding these inquests.

Speaking after the statement was made, Mr Moore said:

"In his statement, the Minister talked about transferring inquests closer to family members where possible, but this is still not an option for bereaved relatives in Scotland.

"Both the Labour Government at Westminster, and the SNP Government at Holyrood, have been dragging their feet over enabling Fatal Accident Inquiries to deal with the deaths of Scottish personnel overseas.

"The SNP talks about standing up for Scotland, but why are they not stepping up to ensure that the families of Scottish personnel who have given their lives overseas can attend inquiries in their own country?

"If the Labour Government is working to improve conditions for relatives attending inquests, why is it not working to ensure that this is extended to the families of Scottish personnel?

"It is time the UK and Scottish Governments focused on supporting the families of our brave service personnel, rather than passing the buck over whose responsibility it is."