News Release

7th November 2002

ACCUSATIONS MADE AGAINST WHITTINGTON BARRACKS

A series of accusations of rape and bullying have been made against officers and men serving at the Army Training Regiment at Whittington Barracks near Lichfield.

Michael Fabricant says: "These accusations are distressing and very serious. No-one has yet written to me concerning this, but as the Member of Parliament for the constituency in which the barracks are situated, I have asked Geoff Hoon, the Secretary of State for Defence, to keep me appraised of the situation.

"Bullying and worse cannot be tolerated in the British Armed Forces and everyone would condemn it. However, I do not know the truth of the situation and it would be unjust for anyone to lay blame where guilt has not been proved. Nevertheless, I await the Secretary of State's response which I hope will be urgent. It may be necessary to hold a public inquiry into the operations at Whittington Barracks."

A copy of the letter sent by Michael Fabricant to the Secretary of State for Defence now follows:-

I understand that serious allegations have been made of rape and sexual abuse by a woman who spent one week at Whittington Barracks when she was aged 19. She is now 24 and has just spoken out publicly having heard of the situation at the Deepcut Barracks.

Several soldiers have also now come forward claiming they, too, were sexually and physically abused during their time at Whittington Barracks and that the Ministry of Defence is being taken to court over these alleged allegations. This is receiving considerable and unfortunate publicity.

You will appreciate that Whittington Barracks are in my constituency. It would, therefore, be most helpful if you would let me have a full and detailed report concerning the current situation and with regard to any such allegations and incidents.

I look forward to hearing from you on this as a matter of urgency.