Local MP Caroline Dinenage has urged the Government to ensure that the family of missing Gosport sailor, Timmy MacColl, are consulted on vital decisions being made about his case, during questions to the Ministry of Justice today.
Leading Seaman Timmy MacColl tragically disappeared in Dubai on Sunday 27th May 2012, where his ship, HMS Westminster, was berthed at Port Rashid for a short visit.
Highlighting the problems experienced by the MacColl family, Caroline asked:
"Leading Seaman Timmy MacColl went missing while in Dubai with the Royal Navy last May. He leaves behind a wife and three small children. The Royal Navy are now seeking to get a certificate of death without any face-to-face consultation with his wife. On top of the emotional strain of this, it also casts a question mark over their financial future and indeed where they will live. Can the Minister tell me to what extent the Justice Department can liaise with the Armed Forces in cases such as this and to ensure that the family are much better involved in such decisions?"
Responding on behalf of the Government, the Minister for Victims and the Courts, Helen Grant, responded:
"Well I know my Honourable Friend cares deeply about these issues and has actually worked tirelessly in assisting this family in her constituency where a loved one has actually gone missing. The Ministry of Defence has its own procedures for presuming missing service personnel to be dead and does not liaise with the Ministry Of Justice in individual cases. But I am very happy if my Honourable Friend would like some further information on the involvement of family members, to actually make some representations to the Defence secretary on her behalf."
Speaking outside the Chamber, Caroline added:
"My heart goes out to Timmy's wife Rachael and their three young children during this incredibly difficult time.
It is distressing enough to be without their loved one, but to be excluded from important decisions being made about the future of Timmy's case is simply unacceptable. I welcome the willingness of the Ministry of Justice to communicate with the Defence Secretary about these issues and hope that they can be resolved in the near future."
Since Timmy's disappearance, Caroline has regularly raised this case; chairing a press conference with the MacColl family, facilitating meetings with ministerial colleagues at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence and continues to campaign on behalf of the family.
