The families of the 29 military personnel who died in the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to meet with them within his first 100 days in office and to commission a new independent review into the tragedy. The crash, which occurred during a flight from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland, has remained a subject of controversy and unresolved questions for more than three decades.

Initially, the two pilots were blamed for the incident, but a 2011 inquiry overturned this finding, although it did not establish the cause of the crash. The Chinook Justice Campaign (CJC), representing more than 55 family members of 25 victims, argues that the Ministry of Defence’s handling of the investigation has been insufficient and has called for a comprehensive review independent of the MoD. The families express concerns that key information, particularly regarding the airworthiness of the Chinook HC2 helicopter, may have been withheld or inaccurately reported.

Former Conservative defence secretary Liam Fox, who led the 2011 inquiry, has publicly supported the families’ call for a fresh investigation, citing “deep concerns” about missing or incorrect information provided by the Ministry of Defence. Fox indicated there is now a “strong enough belief” that a cover-up could have occurred in relation to the crash.

This month, a High Court judge ruled that several families could not pursue legal action against the MoD, dismissing the claim as filed too late. In response, the CJC has announced plans to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. However, Matt Tobias, whose father Lieutenant Colonel John Tobias died in the crash, has called on Burnham to intervene before further protracted legal proceedings occur. Tobias emphasized that the families seek transparency and truth rather than prolonged litigation, highlighting Burnham’s recent parliamentary remarks about ending Britain’s "cover-up culture" and enhancing the duty of candour in public inquiries.

In a letter delivered to Burnham, the families suggested the case could serve as a "test case" for new legislation establishing a legally binding duty of candour on public officials, recently backed by Parliament. They also urged that the new review be granted full access to all pertinent documents concerning the Chinook’s condition and the circumstances leading to the crash.

The Ministry of Defence acknowledged the families’ disappointment following the court ruling and said it will continue to engage with the CJC. Defence ministers have reportedly met with the group in the past, but the families say previous requests for a meeting and inquiry were denied.

After more than 32 years, the families maintain their call for a fresh, impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind the Mull of Kintyre crash.