Ministry of Defence written question – answered at on 1 July 2026.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative, Huntingdon
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2026 to question 10778 on Merlin Helicopters, for what reason were the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk.4 fleet not grounded following the crash in Sourton, Devon on 3 June 2025.
Luke Pollard
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence
A full investigation is being conducted into the cause of the crash involving a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter on 3 June 2026. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families, loved ones and colleagues of those affected during this difficult time. Whilst the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to provide any further details.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.