Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

An announcement was made today by the attorney general Lord Goldsmith that there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone with the death of Cornish soldier Sgt. Roberts.

Sgt. Roberts, 33, was shot at a roadblock at Al Zubayr near Basra on 24th March 2003, but the circumstances surrounding his death have never been fully explained.

It is hoped that a coroner will now be allowed to conduct an inquest into the death of Sgt. Roberts, based on the evidence that the inquiry has brought to light.

Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall questioned the solicitor general on the conclusions of the investigation.

Commenting, Mr Rogerson said:

"My thoughts are with the family of Sgt. Roberts and I welcome the announcement that in future investigations of this sort will progress more rapidly."

"But we still need to know who is going to take responsibility for the fact that Sgt. Roberts had to give up his protective armour."

"It is appalling that it has taken three years and the question of responsibility is still left hanging."

Notes to editors:
1.Today's statement reported on the decision that the soldiers who accidentally shot Sgt. Roberts should not be prosecuted
2.There was no further statement on the lack of protective equipment provided although Mr Rogerson raised this in his question to the Minister