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MoD fails to show cockpit video MoD fails to show cockpit video
(about 1 hour later)
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has failed to provide an inquest with a recording of a "friendly fire" incident in which a British soldier died.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has failed to provide an inquest with a recording of a "friendly fire" incident in which a British soldier died.
Oxfordshire Assistant Deputy Coroner Andrew Walker had criticised the MoD for delays and gave officials until Friday to produce the tape.Oxfordshire Assistant Deputy Coroner Andrew Walker had criticised the MoD for delays and gave officials until Friday to produce the tape.
But the MoD said it did not have US authorisation to lift its classified status, and the case was adjourned. But the MoD said authorisation from the United States was needed to hand over the video. The case was adjourned.
Lance Corporal Matty Hull, 25, from Berks, died near Basra in March 2003. Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull, 25, from Berks, died in March 2003.
The cockpit video was taken as a US aircraft opened fire on British troops.The cockpit video was taken as a US aircraft opened fire on British troops.
MoD respects the fact that this classified information belongs to the US Ministry of DefenceMoD respects the fact that this classified information belongs to the US Ministry of Defence
The coroner has adjourned the court until 16 February in order for the MoD to release the classified video.The coroner has adjourned the court until 16 February in order for the MoD to release the classified video.
The barrister for the MoD said it had not been possible to get permission from the Americans to lift its classified status.
Mr Walker said he was sorry his request had not been met and it was crucial the court saw the video before he took more evidence from witnesses.
The BBC has learned that the video was only given to the coroner this week.The BBC has learned that the video was only given to the coroner this week.
The barrister for the MoD said it had not been possible to get permission from the Americans to lift its classified status.
L/CoH Hull's widow, Susan Hull, told BBC News she was "very disappointed but not particularly surprised" by the decision.
Mr Walker said he was sorry his request had not been met. It was vital all evidence was reviewed fully, fairly and fearlessly, and it was crucial the court saw the video before he took more evidence from witnesses.
MoD lawyer Leigh-Ann Mulcahy, said high-level diplomacy between US and UK governments was needed to release the classified recording.MoD lawyer Leigh-Ann Mulcahy, said high-level diplomacy between US and UK governments was needed to release the classified recording.
No evidence claimNo evidence claim
In a statement the ministry said: "[The] MoD respects the fact that this classified information belongs to the US, in the same way as the US respects our ownership of sensitive information we provide them with.In a statement the ministry said: "[The] MoD respects the fact that this classified information belongs to the US, in the same way as the US respects our ownership of sensitive information we provide them with.
"Nonetheless, we are in discussions with our allies in the US about how we can, jointly, move this situation forward."Nonetheless, we are in discussions with our allies in the US about how we can, jointly, move this situation forward.
"Everyone understands the concerns of L/Cpl Hull's family, and of the coroner himself in this matter." "Everyone understands the concerns of L/CoH Hull's family, and of the coroner himself in this matter."
The MoD was further criticised by L/Cpl Hull's family who had previously been told "categorically" there was no such video evidence. The MoD was further criticised by L/CoH Hull's family who had previously been told "categorically" there was no such video evidence.
L/Cpl Hull, from the Windsor-based Household Cavalry Regiment, died from multiple injuries inside his blazing Scimitar tank despite efforts by colleagues to save him. L/CoH Hull, from the Windsor-based Household Cavalry Regiment, died from multiple injuries inside his blazing Scimitar tank despite efforts by colleagues to save him.
He was travelling in a column of light armoured vehicles near Basra, in southern Iraq, when it was reportedly attacked by a US A-10 "tankbuster" aircraft.He was travelling in a column of light armoured vehicles near Basra, in southern Iraq, when it was reportedly attacked by a US A-10 "tankbuster" aircraft.