Relatives of slain UK soldiers in Iraq win legal battle

Relatives of UK soldiers killed in Iraq secured a victory Friday in the latest round of a compensation fight with ministers. The Court of Appeal said families could pursue damages claims against the Government. Three appeal judges announced the decision after a hearing in London. Relatives say the Ministry of Defence (MOD) failed to provide armoured vehicles or equipment which could have saved lives and should pay compensation. MoD bosses say decisions about battlefield equipment are for politicians and military commanders. The judges ruled that relatives could pursue claims on grounds of negligence. A lawyer representing the families described the ruling as "an important victory". Today's Court of Appeal announcement followed a ruling in June 2011 by a High Court judge, who said relatives could pursue claims on negligence grounds - but not under human rights legislation. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) appealed against the judges ruling on negligence claims - while the relatives challenged his findings on the human rights issue. Today's ruling follows a hearing in June before senior judges. Legal action was started as a result of the deaths of a number of British soldiers following the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. A total of 179 UK soldiers died in the Iraq War in 2003.