Family in immunity row say meeting felt like ‘publicity stunt’

The family of Harry Dunn have said a meeting with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab over the death of their son felt like a “publicity stunt” – as they confirmed they were launching civil action against the suspect in the case.

Harry, 19, was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car on August 27.

The suspect, 42-year-old Anne Sacoolas, reportedly married to a US intelligence official, was granted diplomatic immunity after the crash.

The car was thought to have been driving on the wrong side of the road after leaving RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire – a military base used by the US Air Force.

Mr Raab met Harry’s mother, Charlotte Charles, and father, Tim Dunn, yesterday afternoon after having talks with US Ambassador Woody Johnson the previous day.

Speaking after the meeting, Harry’s mother told reporters she felt “let down by both governments”.

Meanwhile, the family’s lawyer and spokesman Radd Seiger said Mr Raab had told them that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was intending to speak with US President Donald Trump.

“He (Mr Raab) said that could possibly be happening this evening and we welcome that, obviously,” Mr Seiger said.

Mr Seiger also invited Mr Trump to have a conversation with the family about the issue.

“If meeting with President Trump would help us get a step closer to seek justice for Harry, to get justice for that boy who died that night needlessly, one of the most wonderful kids in our community, if that’s what it takes then I will extend an invitation now to President Trump,” Mr Seiger said.

Ms Charles told reporters: “I can’t really see the point as to why we were invited to see Dominic Raab. We are no further forward than where we were this time last week.

“Part of me is feeling like it was just a publicity stunt on the UK Government side to show they are trying to help.”

Mr Johnson, Mr Raab and Northamptonshire Police have asked the US to consider waiving the immunity.