Families impacted by the tragic Manchester Arena terror attack are calling for MI5 to be fully encompassed within a proposed new law, referred to as the “Hillsborough Law,” aimed at preventing cover-ups. They question the trustworthiness of MI5 and emphasize the necessity for accountability following revelations that the agency did not provide accurate intelligence on bomber Salman Abedi, leading to the devastating attack in 2017.
The “Hillsborough Law,” inspired by the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which resulted in 97 fatalities, is currently progressing through Parliament. This law aims to compel public officials to be transparent during investigations, particularly in cases of major disasters where false narratives have been circulated.
Pete Weatherby KC, leading the Hillsborough Law Now (HLN) campaign, expressed concerns over government negotiations regarding the application of the law to intelligence services. He highlighted discrepancies in the legislation that could potentially hinder its effectiveness in holding individual intelligence officers accountable.
Acknowledging the feedback on the need for strengthened legislation while safeguarding national security, the government assured that measures were being considered. The proposed law seeks to rebalance power dynamics to ensure accountability and transparency within the state authorities.
The families of the victims, represented by Mr. Weatherby, insist on the full inclusion of security and intelligence agencies within the new law, demanding equal standards of transparency for all. They stress the importance of holding MI5, MI6, and GCHQ to the same level of accountability as other entities to prevent future failures and ensure the safety of the public.
Claire Booth, a survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing, voiced her frustration with MI5’s lack of candor post-attack, describing the agency’s behavior as dismissive and adding insult to injury for the victims and their families. She emphasized the importance of truth and accountability in preventing similar tragedies in the future.