RFA Sir Galahad Bombing 2024-11-18
2024-11-18
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Falklands veterans, including Mike Hermanis, are campaigning to uncover the truth behind the attack on RFA Sir Galahad. Recent discussions under the Public Records Act 1958 have reviewed files but not released all documents.
I welcome the Minister's work on this issue and note my constituent Mike Hermanis's campaign for transparency. With time passing, will he agree to meet me, colleagues, and veterans to discuss releasing remaining board of inquiry documents so that those involved can get closure?
I would welcome a discussion about engaging with the veterans community from Sir Galahad, and I look forward to our meeting later this month.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting will not include releasing remaining board of inquiry documents as requested
Looking At This
Welcome Discussion
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Veterans of the Welsh Guards who survived the bombing campaign to uncover truth about incompetent decisions that led to their placement in a dangerous situation.
My friends served out there and still struggle with after-effects from the disaster. They want answers on why they were placed where they were. Who gave the orders? The report details incompetence that left them open for attack, not just enemy action. What is your response?
There is chaos in conflict, and we do not blame Welsh Guards for events on that tragic day. Further files have been reviewed and are now at National Archives.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address incompetence or orders given
Chaos In Conflict
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Jessica Morden's campaign for transparency on the Sir Galahad incident. Constituent Oliver Richardson, a survivor of the sinking at age 21, seeks truth and closure.
I thank Jessica Morden for her sustained campaign for transparency. My constituent Oliver Richardson was just 21 when he survived the sinking. I welcome the Minister's offer to meet on this matter and ask to be included in those discussions.
Absolutely.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting inclusion confirmed but no details on document release
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Documents related to the RFA Sir Galahad incident remain unreleased despite efforts for transparency. Veterans and bereaved families seek truth.
It is mystifying that these documents have not been released 40 years later. It's about learning lessons for future operations, not identifying blame. What is the reason for withholding these documents? Will you show compassion by releasing them?
I have compassion for those injured or wounded in combat. Lessons learned from this conflict have been spread throughout the Department. Five files, comprising 308 witness statements, remain closed until 2065 under Public Records Act 1958.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged compassion but did not commit to releasing documents
Under The Terms Of
Will Review
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Veterans campaigning for transparency on RFA Sir Galahad incident. Minister committed to reviewing files but not releasing all documents.
Falklands veterans, including my constituent Mike Hermanis, continue to campaign for the truth behind the attack on Sir Galahad in 1982. I know the Minister is working on this, but will he meet me, colleagues and veterans to discuss releasing remaining board of inquiry documents?
I would welcome a discussion about engaging with the veterans community from Sir Galahad, and I look forward to our meeting later this month.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting confirmed but did not commit to releasing documents
Welcome Discussion
Response accuracy