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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Families to sue for forces deaths | Families to sue for forces deaths |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Four families of servicemen killed in Snatch Land Rovers in Iraq and Afghanistan are to sue the Ministry of Defence, the BBC has learned. | Four families of servicemen killed in Snatch Land Rovers in Iraq and Afghanistan are to sue the Ministry of Defence, the BBC has learned. |
| They claim the vehicles are too lightly armoured to cope with the weapons used against them and that the MoD was negligent in allowing their use. | They claim the vehicles are too lightly armoured to cope with the weapons used against them and that the MoD was negligent in allowing their use. |
| However, the MoD maintains the vehicles are vital equipment and suitable for the jobs they must perform. | However, the MoD maintains the vehicles are vital equipment and suitable for the jobs they must perform. |
| Since 2003, some 37 UK personnel have been killed while using the vehicles. | Since 2003, some 37 UK personnel have been killed while using the vehicles. |
| Human rights | |
| The lightly-armoured Snatch Land Rovers are used on operations where troops need quick land transport. | |
| They are fortified with armour to offer the troops protection against explosions and ballistics, but have been criticised for offering insufficient protection against roadside bombs. | |
| Last year, the then Defence Secretary, John Hutton, ruled out a public inquiry into their use and announced plans to spend £700m on new, upgraded vehicles. | |
| The families are claiming the MoD's failure to provide adequate protection was a breach of their sons' human rights, as well as claiming negligence. | |
| They say last month's Court of Appeal ruling that the Human Rights Act can apply to the battlefield supports their cases. | |
| Lawyers acting for them say they expect other claims will be brought in the future. |