Inquiry call over 'barrack abuse'

Three allegations centre on Leconfield barracks

An MP is calling for a public inquiry into allegations of bullying and assault made against the training system at an East Yorkshire barracks.

Kevin McNamara, Labour MP for Hull North, said claims about the Leconfield base strengthened the demand for a wider inquiry into alleged abuse.

The three claims arose from the police investigation into allegations of bullying at Deepcut barracks.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it was co-operating with police.

Police in Surrey have uncovered three allegations relating to Leconfield dating back to 1995.

These are allegations and we should not infer from them that there is a wider culture of bullying and violence in the armed forces MoD spokesperson

These are one allegation of rape, one of physical assault and another of inappropriate behaviour.

Kevin McNamara is leading calls for an independent inquiry into army training methods.

He told BBC News: "They should all be taken very seriously indeed and we need to get to the root of the problems that exist in the army over questions of bullying.

"I think the allegations about Leconfield add to the strength of that demand.

"There is a great responsibility - if these matters are correct - upon the commanding officers of these depots, who have yet to be interviewed.

"The MoD have a grave responsibility to look into these matters and to ensure their duty of care is properly upheld and followed through."

In a statement, an MoD spokesperson said: "The MoD is co-operating fully with the ongoing police investigation.

"These are allegations and we should not infer from them that there is a wider culture of bullying and violence in the armed forces."