The SNP has commented on reports today (Saturday) that an official review into the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash in Scotland is expected to conclude that the two dead pilots should not have been blamed.

It is understood that the findings from Lord Philip inquiry have now been submitted to Defence Secretary Liam Fox, who is due to make a statement to MPs next week.

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP, who has campaigned to exonerate Flight Lieutenants Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook, said:

“I hope that these reports are accurate. It is time that justice was done, and the Defence Secretary must finally clear the pilots of any blame.

“In light of Lord Philip’s recommendations and given that the initial RAF internal finding, the Fatal Accident Inquiry, and a House of Lords report all concluding that there was no evidence that the pilots were to blame, the position of the MoD is now untenable.

“It is a disgrace the way the families of Flight Lieutenants Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook have been treated by successive administrations and it's time that the record was officially set straight.”

The SNP has commented on reports today (Saturday) that an official review into the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash in Scotland is expected to conclude that the two dead pilots should not have been blamed.

It is understood that the findings from Lord Philip inquiry have now been submitted to Defence Secretary Liam Fox, who is due to make a statement to MPs next week.

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP, who has campaigned to exonerate Flight Lieutenants Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook, said:

“I hope that these reports are accurate. It is time that justice was done, and the Defence Secretary must finally clear the pilots of any blame.

“In light of Lord Philip’s recommendations and given that the initial RAF internal finding, the Fatal Accident Inquiry, and a House of Lords report all concluding that there was no evidence that the pilots were to blame, the position of the MoD is now untenable.

“It is a disgrace the way the families of Flight Lieutenants Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook have been treated by successive administrations and it's time that the record was officially set straight.”