Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

RFA Sir Galahad Bombing

Monday 18 November 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister agrees to meet Jessica Morden, colleagues, and veterans to discuss releasing remaining board of inquiry documents.
  • Further files have been reviewed and are now available at the National Archives.
  • Five files, comprising 308 witness statements, remain closed until 2065 under the Public Records Act 1958.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Alistair Carns

I would welcome a discussion about engaging with the veterans community from Sir Galahad, and I look forward to our meeting later this month.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting will not include releasing remaining board of inquiry documents as requested

How: Looking At This, Welcome Discussion

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Q2 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Wales Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Alistair Carns

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.

Not addressed: Did not address incompetence or orders given

How: Chaos In Conflict

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Q3 Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Alistair Carns

Absolutely.

Not addressed: Meeting inclusion confirmed but no details on document release

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Q4 Mike Tapp Lab Dover and Deal
Veterans
Context

Documents related to the RFA Sir Galahad incident remain unreleased despite efforts for transparency. Veterans and bereaved families seek truth.

Question

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?

Answer from Alistair Carns

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledged compassion but did not commit to releasing documents

How: Under The Terms Of, Will Review

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Q5 Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex
Veterans
Context

Veterans campaigning for transparency on RFA Sir Galahad incident. Minister committed to reviewing files but not releasing all documents.

Question

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?

Answer from Alistair Carns

I would welcome a discussion about engaging with the veterans community from Sir Galahad, and I look forward to our meeting later this month.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting confirmed but did not commit to releasing documents

How: Welcome Discussion

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