Nimrod inquiry delays under fire

THE SNP's Westminster leader has criticised delays in inquiries into the deaths of 14 servicemen killed in an Afghanistan plane crash a year ago.

Angus Robertson said the wait for the Ministry of Defence inquiry and a coroner's inquest was a "disgrace".

Dates have still to be set for the publication of the board of inquiry's findings and a coroner's inquest into the deaths.

The Nimrod MR2 came down near Kandahar on 2 September last year, killing 12 crew from 120 Squadron based at RAF Kinloss in Moray. A Royal Marine and an army soldier also died. The tragedy was the biggest loss of British military personnel since the war on terror began.

Mr Robertson said:

"Everybody's thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives. They are having to wait far too long to receive answers to many questions. A

12-month wait is a disgrace.

"Publication dates have been put back and put back and the Ministry of Defence should get on with it."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "The RAF apologises for the delay

. The findings will be released as soon as possible."

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said all inquests took "some time".