MP supporting Royal British Legion

Crewe Blog

Local Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has continued his strong support for the Royal British Legion by attending the launch of the new Independent Inquest Advice (IIA) Service. The IIA, which is part funded by the Ministry of Defence, aims to provide high quality, timely and independent advice to bereaved families during the investigation into in-Service deaths. Two full-time lawyers, will guide families through the "complex and harrowing" investigation that follows a military death. The scheme was formed after consultation with bereaved families and the War Widows’ Association, and will now be trialed for two years.

Mr Timpson said he knew the grief and uncertainty that families faced and that he wanted to attend to learn how the new service could be of use to his constituents. This sentiment was echoed by Diana Barnes, widow of Corporal Jason Barnes, who died in Afghanistan in 2008, who said: "Military inquests are so complex, you don't really know what to expect. There's a lot of waiting around and not knowing.”

The MP joined members of bereaved families and senior service personnel at the launch in London last week. Chris Simpkins, director general of the Royal British Legion, said he wanted the scheme to help "bereaved armed forces families to understand, and feel better equipped to deal with, the whole investigation into their loved ones' deaths."

Speaking after the launch Mr Timpson said: “The whole country owes so much to our service men and women. But we must remember that every time a soldier dies in Iraq or Afghanistan that they leave behind a family who will spend years trying to come to terms with the loss. As an ex-barrister I know just how complicated the law can be, and I hope this scheme can help families understand and help them through the process.” 

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