Soldier compensation decision

The family of a soldier from Wythenshawe who was killed in Iraq have won the right to sue the Government over his death. Private Lee Ellis was killed in 2006 when his Snatch Landrover was caught in a roadside bomb.

Relatives of the soldiers killed in Iraq said they believed they still had "a long hard fight" ahead of them after they won a fight for the right to sue, but said were ready to battle for compensation.

Pte Hewett's mother, Sue Smith, 51, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, said: "They can no longer treat soldiers as sub-human with no rights. It's been a long fight but it's absolutely brilliant. Now serving soldiers have got human rights."

She added: "What we have done here will make a difference to a lot of people."

L/Cpl Redpath's father, Colin Redpath, 57, of Hornchurch, Essex, said: "Hopefully this will help our armed forces' safety in future combat zones. The Ministry of Defence has got a duty to supply the right equipment. Now that has been established."

He added: "It's probably going to be a long hard fight from now on. But we have got to do it."

The Defence Secretary has said that he is "concerned about the wider implications" of the Supreme Court ruling which has allowed families of servicemen killed in Iraq to sue the Government for damages.

Families of British soldiers killed fighting in Iraq can bring damages claims against the Government, the Supreme Court ruled today. More to follow

The family of a solder from Wythenshawe who died when his armoured vehicle was attacked in Iraq, will learn today if they have won the right to compensation. Private Lee Ellis was killed in February 2006. When his snatch Landrover was caught in a roadside bomb.