Military 'will not attend inquests'

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The MoD has written to every coroner in England and Wales to explain the support they will receive when holding military inquests.

The Americans' stance means the families of three British soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan after a US F15 jet dropped a bomb on them will not see those who could be responsible face questioning.

The MoD letter to coroners reads: "The US have confirmed categorically that they will not provide witnesses to attend UK inquests.

"While coroners may continue to ask for US witnesses to attend... they should be aware that there will in all cases be a refusal."

The document also states that the MoD will have to return all classified US military reports after completing boards of inquiry into combat deaths, according to a newspaper.

Coroners have warned they may mount a legal challenge to these arrangements, arguing they could prevent families getting a "full and fair" inquiry, the paper reported.