A human rights charity has added its voice to calls for a public inquiry into physical and sexual abuse at Deepcut Barracks.
Campaign group Liberty has written to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon on behalf of three young soldiers who died at the Surrey camp to request an investigation into the treatment of servicemen and women.
The family of James Collinson, from Perth, – who was found dead in 2002 – and the parents of Private Cheryl James – who died at Deepcut in 1995 – were among those who supported the letter.
An inquest earlier this month found that 18-year-old Pte James, from Llangollen in North Wales, died from an intentionally “self-inflicted shot” from her rifle at Deepcut Barracks.
Pte James’s father, Des James, said that an inquiry may “finally draw a line under this dark stain on the reputation of the British Army”.
“The MoD has wasted many years avoiding a public inquiry into Deepcut and even denying that an abusive culture existed until very recently.
He added: “These are years that could have been used to reassure parents of future recruits, and years that could have been used compassionately to listen to and offer comfort to those recruits whose young lives have been so dreadfully affected.”
The families of Sean Benton, of Hastings, East Sussex, and Mark Harrison, a victim of rape at Deepcut, also gave their support to the letter.
They hope that a public inquiry will look at the allegations about treatment of servicemen and women, the “sexualised culture” at the barracks, and “serious deficiencies” in current legislation covering the Armed Forces.
Emma Norton, a lawyer for Liberty and solicitor for the families of Cheryl James, Sean Benton and James Collinson, said: “The fact that these allegations were never properly investigated continues to cast a long and shameful shadow over the British Army and undermines genuine attempts at reform.
“Without a public inquiry, those who describe serious assaults and other abuse at Deepcut will not have any chance to speak out about those experiences.
“They deserve to have them acknowledged, see those responsible held to account and know that lessons really are being learnt so other young recruits do not suffer in this way again.”
General Lord Dannatt, former chief of general staff, also called for a public inquiry into allegations of harassment and bullying at Deepcut earlier this month.
The head of the Army, General Sir Nick Carter, has previously said that a public inquiry into Deepcut barracks should be held if it is the “best method” of getting to the truth.
