Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to meet families of those killed in a 1994 Chinook helicopter crash. The RAF Chinook ZD576 departed from RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland for Fort George near Inverness on June 2, 1994. The crash in foggy weather off the Mull of Kintyre killed four crew members and 25 passengers.

The passengers included ten senior RUC Special Branch officers, nine army intelligence officers, and six MI5 officers. Families view the prime minister's commitment as a key development after more than 30 years. Jenni Balmer-Hornby, whose father died in the crash, expressed thanks to Liberal Democrat MP Tessa Munt for raising the matter.

MP Tessa Munt questioned Starmer during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. She asked if he would meet the families to address ongoing concerns about the aircraft's safety. Starmer replied that the families would receive the relevant meeting.

The Chinook Justice Campaign, formed by bereaved families, noted this as the first such opportunity in over 30 years to present their case to the prime minister. Families seek full release of crash documents and a judge-led public inquiry.

Pilots faced initial blame for the crash but received formal clearance in 2011. The Ministry of Defence received approaches for comment on the latest developments.