Defence Minister Bob Ainsworth has apologised to the families of the RAF servicemen who died in the Nimrod crash but refused to ground the patrol planes.

Earlier today, Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner Andrew Walker, concluding an inquest into the deaths of 14 servicemen when their Nimrod exploded over Afghanistan in September 2006, said that the planes should be grounded, because a design fault meant they had never been airworthy.

In a statement, Mr Ainsworth said: "My thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who died in XV230.

"On behalf of the MoD and the Royal Air Force, I would like to apologise again to the families of those who died for our failings, which led to this tragic incident.

"I would like to reassure all those concerned that the Chief of the Air Staff has reaffirmed to me that the Nimrod is airworthy, and that we are dealing with all the issues raised by this incident."

Mr Ainsworth added: "I have noted the coroner's comments and I will consider them carefully.

"The Nimrod is saving lives in operational theatres every day. However, if it was not safe we would not be flying it; it is safe with the measures we have taken and that is why we will not be grounding the fleet."