MOD FCDO
Action Taken
The government has sought assurances from US authorities regarding driver training for US Visiting Forces and diplomats, emphasizing driving on the left. The FCDO has also written to all diplomatic missions in the UK reminding them of road safety responsibilities. Ministers are considering further actions. (AI summary)
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Dear Mrs Pember
REGULATION 28 REPORT, HARRY DUNN INQUEST
Thank you for your Regulation 28 report to Prevent Deaths issued after the inquest into the death of Harry Dunn, 10-13 June. His death was a tragedy and, as we approach the fifth anniversary of his death, our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and loved ones. We are committed to ensuring lessons are properly learnt.
On the specific issue which your report raised, the government has sought and received further assurances from the US authorities in the UK, both military and diplomatic, that driver training mandated for US Visiting Forces and diplomats, as well as their dependants, includes and will continue to include a focus on driving on the left, and the dangers of not doing so.
There is a continual need to focus on the issue of driver training and road safety awareness, especially as military forces and diplomats rotate through the UK. We are committed to continue work with the US to maintain our focus on this. We will be meeting the representatives of US Visiting Forces and the US Embassy in London again next month to do so.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also written to all diplomatic missions in the UK, reminding them of their responsibilities in respect of road safety awareness and driving standards in the UK. ,
Finally, ministers are considering what other actions, in addition to the actions taken over the last five years, might be required to ensure lessons have been learnt.
REGULATION 28 REPORT, HARRY DUNN INQUEST
Thank you for your Regulation 28 report to Prevent Deaths issued after the inquest into the death of Harry Dunn, 10-13 June. His death was a tragedy and, as we approach the fifth anniversary of his death, our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and loved ones. We are committed to ensuring lessons are properly learnt.
On the specific issue which your report raised, the government has sought and received further assurances from the US authorities in the UK, both military and diplomatic, that driver training mandated for US Visiting Forces and diplomats, as well as their dependants, includes and will continue to include a focus on driving on the left, and the dangers of not doing so.
There is a continual need to focus on the issue of driver training and road safety awareness, especially as military forces and diplomats rotate through the UK. We are committed to continue work with the US to maintain our focus on this. We will be meeting the representatives of US Visiting Forces and the US Embassy in London again next month to do so.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also written to all diplomatic missions in the UK, reminding them of their responsibilities in respect of road safety awareness and driving standards in the UK. ,
Finally, ministers are considering what other actions, in addition to the actions taken over the last five years, might be required to ensure lessons have been learnt.