RMT union leads demands for helicopter safety inquiry after Clutha tragedy

A leading union is stepping up calls for a public inquiry into helicopter safety after a number of incidents in 2013.

The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said there is increasing public and political support for an inquiry.

The union said the issue has become more urgent after the police helicopter crash in Glasgow last month, in which 10 people died.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “In light of recent events, including the helicopter tragedies both offshore and onshore, and the grounding of helicopters in many areas of the country, the case for a full public inquiry dealing with helicopter safety, and the associated safety issues in the North Sea field, is overwhelming.”