British Army statement in response to Crown Censure for death of Staff Sergeant John McKelvie

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General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO ADC Gen, Chief of the General Staff, as Army Safety Owner and on behalf of the British Army, accepts the Health and Safety Executive Crown Censure issued today in relation to the death of Staff Sergeant John McKelvie, of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, on the 4 February 2019.

“I apologise unreservedly for failing to maintain the safety standards rightly expected of the British Army. Staff Sergeant John McKelvie died because we didn’t do enough to protect him from the risk of death. The condolences I offer to John’s family and friends are heartfelt for a soldier lost that didn’t need to be lost in this way.

“We failed John and I am so sorry. We are committed to learning and adapting, so this never happens to another family, another regiment, or another group of friends. I realise that I must also restore the confidence of others in the safety and supervision of high-risk training.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the Health and Safety Executive for the thoroughness of the investigation. This scrutiny and the identification of our failings in this process and in the Service Inquiry and Inquest ensures real change.

“The men and women who bravely commit to defending our country deserve the highest safety standards during their training and we will continue to strive to ensure that the lessons learned from John’s death help to make others safer now and in the future.”

Gen Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO ADC Gen