Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

RFA Sir Galahad

Monday 25 March 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister visited the National Archives at Kew to assess documents related to the bombing of RFA Sir Galahad.
  • Minister aims for maximum transparency in releasing files under the Public Records Act 1958, respecting legal constraints.
  • Government will not take years to complete the process of releasing documents related to the RFA Sir Galahad incident.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Foreign Affairs Standards & Ethics
Context

The question arises from the substantial public and parliamentary interest in releasing documents related to the RFA Sir Galahad bombing.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential merits of publishing all documents relating to the bombing of RFA Sir Galahad? The hon. Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) attended a remembrance and reunion event for survivors and families affected by the attack on 8 June 1982.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Recognising public interest, the Minister recently visited the National Archives at Kew and is looking to release two further files subject to legal confirmation. In relation to five files of witness statements, maximum transparency will be pursued under the Public Records Act 1958 while ensuring personal data protection.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeframe for releasing documents was not addressed.

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Q2 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Context

The hon. Member for Newport East attended a remembrance and reunion event for survivors of the RFA Sir Galahad attack.

Question

After attending the remembrance and reunion event, the questioner urges the Minister to ensure that remaining documents from the board of inquiry are released to get to the truth of what happened on 8 June 1982. She seeks a specific timeline for these decisions.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Acknowledging the tenacity of the hon. Lady, the Minister confirms they are handling the matter quickly and moving at pace to release further files while respecting legal constraints under the Data Protection Act 2018.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No precise timeframe was provided.

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Q3 Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green
Wales Veterans
Context

The right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green recognises that it has been decades since the event occurred.

Question

My constituent Colin Silva was from the brave Welsh Guards involved in this incident. The right hon. Friend mentions moving at pace but can he ensure, on balance of judgment, we err towards transparency to clear reputations tarnished?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The Minister confirms the Welsh Guards were exonerated by the board of inquiry and his position is always for transparency, ensuring this has been at the forefront when reviewing documents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeframe or commitment to err towards transparency was provided.

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Q4 Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth
Defence Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth visited Fitzroy to understand the impact of this event.

Question

Many who did not return were from the Welsh Guards, and united support for Falkland Islands defence is assured by this House. May I press on timing? Are we talking weeks, months or years?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

While not providing a specific timeline, the Minister assures that it will not take years to complete the process of releasing documents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question was about weeks or months but only an upper bound of 'not years' was given.

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Q5 Natalie Elphicke
Defence Parliamentary Procedure Standards & Ethics
Context

The hon. Member's constituent Oliver Richardson was among the survivors of the sinking of RFA Sir Galahad.

Question

Forty years on, there is no reason for secrecy in releasing all Falklands Galahad papers quickly. Many people neither were offered nor wanted confidentiality regarding what they witnessed. Honour our armed forces by providing answers to those involved and their families.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The Government will do everything possible for transparency but are bound by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to releasing all papers at pace was given.

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