Ex-Cabinet Minister says UK-US relations can’t continue as normal until Harry Dunn’s family get justice

TODAY marks one year since the terrible crash that caused the death of Harry Dunn outside RAF Croughton.

We all know the tragic events of that day and the immense pain and loss that Harry’s family and friends continue to live with. 

Harry’s family should have received the justice they rightly deserve, but a year on, that is still not the case.

As the local MP I have tried to support Harry’s parents, Tim and Charlotte, and their family since they first came to seek my help last year. 

Together we have pressed the Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, Transport Secretary, Health Secretary, Attorney General, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire Police, the CPS and the US Embassy to deliver justice for Harry, as well as to make changes to diplomatic agreements and local improvements that will minimise the risk of a tragedy like this ever being repeated. 

I have made the case in the House of Commons that any idea of base expansion at RAF Croughton would be inappropriate while Harry’s family continue to be denied justice by the US Government. I have asked for a recent planning application at the base to be called in under the Secretary of State’s power to consider plans that have a ‘national interest’ angle.

The refusal of the US Government to allow justice for Harry puts any ‘business as usual’ cooperation with planning at RAF Croughton firmly in this category. 

What has happened is quite simple yet utterly unacceptable - Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to America. The Crown Prosecution Service charged her in her absence. Priti Patel, our Home Secretary, requested her extradition and the US Government refused. 

The Foreign Secretary recently fixed the ‘anomaly’ that allowed Sacoolas to claim diplomatic immunity, and this waiver is now expressly extended to all dependents of US staff at RAF Croughton.  It permits the automatic waiver of diplomatic immunity should another tragic incident occur in the future. 

So it’s clear the US Government accept the principle that walking away from the consequences of your actions is wrong.  Yet the UK’s greatest ally continues to deny justice to Harry - a 19 year old young man with all his life ahead of him.

Harry’s family have never sought revenge.  But they believe strongly in right and wrong, and in being accountable for your actions.  They have agreed that  a ‘virtual’ trial, whereby Ms Sacoolas faces a UK jury whilst remaining on US soil, would give them the closure that they seek, and so with their agreement, I have written to Ministers and the CPS to ask for support for this clear way forward.

This approach would allow the US to continue to deny extradition and to refuse the waiver of diplomatic immunity.  If sentenced, Ms Sacoolas could carry out her term in the US. 

It is clear that Anne Sacoolas must face the responsibility of her actions – as anyone would expect to in these difficult circumstances. It will bring reassurance for Harry’s family, friends and the local community. 

I will continue to push the Government for a virtual trial. For closure and healing, justice must take place.