Son of Chinook 1994 helicopter crash victim visits memorial and asks for answers
All 25 passengers – made up of personnel from MI5, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the British Army – were killed, along with the helicopter's four crew members.
Joel Hornby, whose father Major Anthony Hornby was one of the victims, visited a memorial cairn at the crash site on Saturday and again on Sunday.
He and other families have said they will press on with seeking a judicial review after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) dismissed their demands for a judge-led public inquiry into the incident, and have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer asking him to intervene.
Mr Hornby, who was seven when his father died, visited the site with his one-year-old son and laid a wreath at the cairn along with a note which read 'Dad, we are still fighting for you'.
Speaking afterwards Mr Hornby, who lives in Berlin in Germany, said: 'We, the families of those lost, have still been denied answers over 30 years on.
'The MoD has rejected our request for a full judge-led public inquiry, and furthermore, has sealed documents relating to the crash for 100 years.
'We are requesting that the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer live up to his promises on duty of candour and overrule the MoD's decision.'
He has also urged people to sign a change.org petition calling on the Prime Minister to overturn the MoD decision and release the documents.
Following the crash, the Chinook's pilots, Flight Lieutenants Richard Cook and Jonathan Tapper, were accused of gross negligence, but this verdict was overturned by the UK Government 17 years later following a campaign by the families.
A subsequent review by Lord Philip set out 'numerous concerns' raised by those who worked on the Chinooks, with the MoD's testing centre at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire declaring the Chinook Mk2 helicopters 'unairworthy' prior to the crash.
In a statement after the calls made by the families on Friday an MoD spokesperson said: 'The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died.
'We understand that the lack of certainty about the cause of the crash has added to the distress of the families.
'We provided a detailed and considered response to the pre-action protocol letter stating the reasons why we cannot accept the demand for establishing a new public inquiry.
'It's unlikely that a public inquiry would identify any new evidence or reach new conclusions on the basis of existing evidence.
'The accident has already been the subject of six inquiries and investigations, including an independent judge-led review.'
The MoD did not wish to make further comment on Sunday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Slow learner... Kendall forgets her own history: ANDREW PIERCE
One particular minister should have known better than to underestimate hostility to the proposed benefits cuts last week. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall was mauled in the Commons over the disastrous welfare Bill, which sparked a major Labour rebellion and a humiliating 11th-hour U-turn. But, back in 1998, Tony Blair 's government was rocked by a similar revolt when it cut benefits for single parents. Although the controversial measure passed through Parliament, 47 Labour MPs voted against it and the plan's mastermind Harriet Harman was eventually sacked as social security secretary a few months later. Who was Harman's political adviser at the time? Step forward a young Liz Kendall. Talk about history repeating itself. To mark the anniversary of Sir Keir Starmer 's government, I took a look at his party's manifesto. In the first paragraph, there is a pledge to 'stop the endless Conservative chaos' of recent years. In fact, there are no fewer than 38 references to ending Tory 'chaos' in the 136-page document. That looks to me like 38 broken promises and counting. Who is doing Rachel Reeves' make-up? The Chancellor's overnight transformation from her blubby, puffy-eyed PMQs performance to her laughing, fresh-faced visit to east London to unveil the ten-year NHS plan was remarkable. I gather one product known to remove eye bags with such speed is haemorrhoid cream Preparation H. Time to get a prescription? Lord Archer's wise words Sage advice from Lord Archer to would-be politicians: 'When young people come to see me, I say, 'For heavens' sake earn a living, get some experience, then become an MP. Don't go in until you're 40'.' The now 85-year-old became the Tory MP for Louth in 1969 at the age of 29. 'I was thinking I was a god, I was bound to be Prime Minister,' he admits. 'I was an arrogant fool.' Not that it worked out too badly for Lord Archer. He quit Parliament aged 34 because of financial issues – and went on to become a best-selling author. The idea of Angela Rayner becoming PM has been backed by a most unexpected source – the 12th Duke of Beaufort. 'People are terrified of Angela Rayner taking over from Starmer, but I think she is more pragmatic than one thinks,' muses the 73-year-old duke from his 52,000-acre Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire. Labour's Department for Business and Trade paid six 'digital influencers' to promote the Minimum and Living Wage Campaign. Their fees are 'confidential'. Sounds like the Treasury's clampdown on wasteful spending has a way to go. Speaking in Westminster Hall last week, Rishi Sunak made the somewhat underwhelming observation: 'A lot has changed in the last nine years.' Quite. How about eight chancellors and six prime ministers?
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
King and Prime Minister lead nation remembering horror of July 7 bombings
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said 'those who tried to divide us failed' adding 'we stood together then, and we stand together now'. On July 7 2005, four suicide bombers struck the capital's transport network, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three London Underground trains and a bus. Composite of handout photographs of some of the victims of the London terrorist attacks on July 7 2005, top row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Helen Jones, 28; Ciaran Cassidy, 22; Gamze Gunoral, 24; Christian Small; Karolina Gluck. Second row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Couple Lee Harris, 30, and Samatha Badham, 36; Atique Sharifi, 24; Elizabeth Daplyn, 20; Adrian Johnson, 37; Monika Suchocka, 23. Third row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Susan Levy, 53; James Mayes, 28; James Adams; Rachelle Yuen; Ihab Slimane,19. Fourth row from left, victims of the Tavistock Square bomb: Shyanuja Parathasangary; Giles Hart; Anthony Fatayi-Williams; Marie Hartley; Miriam Hyman. Fifth row from left: victims of the Tavistock Square bomb Jamie Gordon and Neetu Jain; victims of the Aldgate bomb Richard Gray, Benedetta Ciaccia and Richard Ellery. Bottom row from left: Aldgate bomb victim Fiona Stevenson; Edgware Road bomb victims David Foulkes, Jonathan Downey, Laura Webb and Jennifer Nicholson (PA) The King has asked for the country to reaffirm its commitment to building a society of all faiths and backgrounds, standing against those who seek to divide us. He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day. 'We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. The scene in Tavistock Square, central London, after the attack on a double decker bus (PA) 'We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass. 'In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. 'The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.' Other members of the royal family are to join services and memorials to mark the anniversary. The Prince of Wales carries a wreath during a service at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park (PA) On behalf of the King, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the National Service of Commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral from 11.30am on Monday. The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. Flowers left by the July 7 memorial plaque at Aldgate Station, London (PA) He said: 'While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. 'It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 'As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.' Sir Keir said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. 'We honour the courage shown that day— the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror. 'Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now— against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking. It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself. 'As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us. 'We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Disability claims 'set to soar by more than a million' before the next election after Labour's U-turn... as Tories warn it could lead to the collapse of the entire benefit system
The number of people claiming disability benefits is set to jump by more than a million before the next election following Labour 's welfare climb-down. An official forecast published alongside the Government's benefits bill reveals that ministers believe the number of claims will soar by 40 per cent in the next four years. It suggests the rise could even lead to the collapse of the benefits system, warning there is a real 'risk the welfare state won't be there for people who need it in future' unless spending is brought under control. The warning came as Kemi Badenoch called for a major clampdown on welfare spending. Sir Keir Starmer was forced to abandon plans to trim the benefits bill by £5billion last week following a revolt by Labour MPs. Proposals to tighten the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will no longer take place. But the forecast suggests that without reform, the number of PIP claimants will jump from 3million to 4.2million by 2029. The cost of PIP payments is predicted to rise from £21.8billion to £34.1billion, while the overall bill for sickness and disability benefits will top £100billion. Tory work and pensions spokesman Helen Whately said: 'The shocking cost of Labour's screeching U-turn on welfare is once again on full display. 'The Government's own impact assessment says that without any action the cost of PIP to the public finances will reach over £34billion by the end of this decade – and now, after Keir Starmer's total surrender to his own party, this increase is baked in.' Yesterday Mrs Badenoch said recent events showed that Labour was 'not serious' about tackling the bloated benefits bill. The Tory leader called for an immediate return to face-to-face assessments for new PIP claims, reversing the online system. And she said that 'low level' mental health issues such as anxiety should not be automatically treated as 'severe conditions' which qualify people for sickness benefits. Mrs Badenoch will use a speech this week to float the idea of halting disability benefits for foreign nationals. Figures show that claims by households with at least one foreign national are running at nearly £1billion a month. Rebel Labour MPs are now plotting to force further concessions this week by removing plans to cut £2billion from Universal Credit (UC) payments. Disabled people and their supporters gather outside the Houses of Parliament for a protest against cuts to welfare benefits as MPs debate and vote today on the government's Welfare Reform Bill at its second reading in London, United Kingdom on July 01, 2025 Richard Burgon said planned changes to UC's health element payment would result in 750,000 vulnerable people losing £3,000 a year. He said: 'We should not balance the books on the backs of sick and disabled people.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted last week that the welfare U-turn would force her to hike taxes again in the autumn, saying there would be 'a cost'. This weekend Sir Keir said it was still 'important we review the system', pointing to a review of PIP which is being led by welfare minister Sir Stephen Timms. But Sir Stephen has said the review will be 'co-produced' with disability campaigners, who bitterly opposed the Government's efforts to cut the benefits bill.
