Families affected by the Manchester Arena terror attack are calling for MI5 to be fully covered under the proposed “Hillsborough Law” to prevent cover-ups. They question the trustworthiness of MI5 following a public inquiry that revealed the agency did not disclose crucial intelligence about the bomber responsible for the attack in 2017.
The “Hillsborough Law,” inspired by the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, aims to hold public officials accountable for truthful disclosures during investigations, particularly in the context of major disasters. However, there have been concerns raised by Barrister Pete Weatherby KC regarding potential loopholes in the legislation that could limit its effectiveness in regulating intelligence services.
The government has acknowledged the feedback and emphasized the need to balance accountability with national security interests. Sir Keir Starmer has underlined the significance of the new law in ensuring transparency and preventing authorities from evading responsibility.
The families of the victims, including those from the Manchester Arena attack, are urging the Prime Minister to fulfill his commitment to extend the law’s provisions to cover security and intelligence agencies. They highlight MI5’s failure to prevent the attack and criticize the lack of transparency in its aftermath, emphasizing the importance of holding these agencies to the same standards of accountability as others.
Claire Booth, a survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing, has expressed her frustration with MI5’s handling of the situation, describing their lack of candor as adding insult to injury for the victims and their families. She emphasizes the need for accountability and truthfulness from security and intelligence agencies moving forward.