In the wake of the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017, survivors who were injured in the attack are now taking legal action against MI5, the UK’s security service. The bombing, which resulted in 22 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, has left a lasting impact on the lives of many individuals. Three legal firms representing over 250 people have filed a case with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in an effort to seek justice for the failings that led to the devastating attack.
Failures in Intelligence
A subsequent inquiry revealed that crucial intelligence about the bomber, Salman Abedi, was overlooked by MI5 in the months leading up to the attack. This intelligence, if acted upon, could have potentially thwarted the bombing and prevented the loss of innocent lives. MI5’s director general, Ken McCallum, publicly acknowledged the shortcomings of the security service and issued an apology for the missed opportunity to prevent the attack. The inquiry’s findings highlighted the importance of gathering actionable intelligence to prevent such tragic events.
Relatives of the victims, including the father of the youngest victim, Saffie-Rose Roussos, have been vocal in their criticism of MI5. Andrew Roussos expressed his belief that his daughter would still be alive if MI5 had fulfilled their duty to prevent the attacker from reaching the arena. The failure to act on critical intelligence has raised questions about the effectiveness and accountability of MI5 in ensuring national security. Former national security adviser, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, acknowledged the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in processing vast amounts of information but also stressed the need for protocols to prevent such oversights.
Hudgell Solicitors, Slater & Gordon, and Broudie Jackson Canter have taken the lead in representing the survivors in their legal pursuit against MI5 at the IPT. This legal action aims to hold the security service accountable for its failure to prevent the Manchester Arena bombing and seek redress for the victims of the attack. As the legal proceedings continue, MI5 has refrained from making any comments on the matter. The survivors and their legal representatives are determined to ensure that justice is served and that lessons are learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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