MoD says it is 'not liable' for Plymouth bomb removal damage

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will not provide financial support to residents whose properties were damaged during the removal of a World War Two bomb, an MP has said.

In February, several Plymouth properties were damaged when the device was moved and detonated at sea.

MP Luke Pollard called for the MoD to fund subsequent repairs.

In a letter to Mr Pollard, Defence Minister Dr Andrew Murrison MP said the MoD did "not consider itself liable".

Dr Murrison wrote to the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport and said: "I am deeply sympathetic towards your constituents' concerns regarding damage to property as a result of this bomb disposal operation.

"In bomb disposal operations such as this, the government's expectation is that it is the obligation of private insurance companies to meet costs.

"The Ministry of Defence does not consider itself liable for any damage caused."

In his letter, Dr Murrison cited the legal precedent of the 2021 Exeter bomb and added that residents should instead "arrive at a solution" with their home insurance companies.

Mr Pollard said: "The Army and Royal Navy stepped up to help Keyham when we needed them, showing extraordinary skill, bravery and expertise to safely remove the bomb.

"It makes it so very disappointing that the government has been slow and confused in the recovery phase."

Mr Pollard said he would keep working to prevent residents from being "left worse off".

An MoD spokesperson said it had worked closely with the local authority following the conclusion of the incident and was "aware of a small number of issues raised by nearby residents".

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