Press Release, 3rd February 2014

Fatal Accidents Inquiry Consultation

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has submitted his views to a public consultation on a Bill which aims to radically overhaul Scotland’s controversial Fatal Accident Inquiry system.

The Inquiries into Deaths (Scotland) Bill which is being put forward by Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson aims to create a system for investigating sudden and accidental deaths which is fit for purpose; allowing for a thorough investigation; and subsequently allowing for lessons to be learned from the death.

Most importantly the Bill aims to put the families of the deceased at the heart of the process which is one of the most common criticisms of the current system for investigating fatal accidents.

In his submission to the consultation Duncan McNeil MSP said:

“The experience of the families who tragically lost their loved ones in the Flying Phantom Disaster shows why we need a radical overhaul of the FAI system. Six years on and they are still waiting for an FAI. They have also been left on the periphery with little say in proceedings.”

“I am fully supportive of this Bill because it will give families of the bereaved a voice and give them the chance to get the full truth of what went wrong. While this may not replace their sense of loss it may just give them the closure they need to move on with their lives”

“The Bill is also crucial because it will speed up the process. Currently, the length of time it takes to hold an FAI has left families feeling exacerbated and let down by the Justice System”