Proposals to remove MOD immunity welcomed

Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, has proposed removing crown immunity from MOD properties, this would make the Ministry of Defence accountable for all environmental impacts at their sites.

Dr Richard Dixon, Director at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said, “Following ridiculous delays by the MOD in telling SEPA and the Scottish Government about radiation leaks at the Vulcan plant at Dounreay and their procrastination over cleaning up contamination at Dalgety Bay, we welcome the proposal from Richard Lochhead to remove crown immunity for the MOD.

“The military should be forced to meet the same pollution standards as everyone else and not hide behind a blanket immunity or a veil of secrecy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. News article on Vulcan radiation leak: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/salmond-accuses-uk-defence-… News article on Dalgety Bay radiation leak: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-15845729

2. Our press release on HMS Vulcan nuclear reactor leak from Sunday 9th March: http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/node/1788

3. Friends of the Earth Scotland is

* Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation

* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland

* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 77 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups.