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MoD calls soldier training deaths from heat exhaustion 'unacceptable'

The MoD has published its response to the damning report on the deaths of James Dunsby from Trowbridge and 2 others.

Earlier this year a coroner ruled that neglect played a part in the deaths of the three Army reservists, who collapsed during a 16-mile SAS test march.

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MoD: 'We accept full responsibility for these tragic deaths'

Defence Minister Penny Mordaunt has issued an apology Credit: Ian Nicholson/PA

The Ministry of Defence has issued an apology to the family of the Wiltshire soldier who died in an SAS exercise along with the families of two other soldiers who also died.

In a written statement, Defence Minister Penny Mordaunt said the MoD had failed to minimise risks to the soldiers and promised to stick by any recommendations made by the coroner. She also said the MoD would begin its own inquiry into the tragedy and offered to meet the families of the three soldiers.

"It will always be necessary to train and test our military personnel to the highest possible level so that they can meet the challenges to national security that we face both in the UK and overseas. Achieving this end does involve individuals having to push themselves and take some risk. However, as an organisation we must ensure that this is balanced with the need to ensure these risks are effectively mitigated. In this case, we did not do this and we accept full responsibility for these tragic deaths. We are determined to learn the lessons. I am the Minister who will be responsible for taking any corrective action forward. I will be writing to the families personally and will make myself available to meet them if they wish, and to facilitate any requests they might have."

– Penny Mordaunt MP, Defence Minister
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MoD calls soldier training deaths from heat exhaustion 'unacceptable'

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