Families Demand Accountability from MI5 Following Arena Attack

Families affected by the tragic attack at the Manchester Arena in May 2017 have expressed their dissatisfaction with the UK’s Security Service, MI5. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the families assert that MI5 must be more transparent and accountable, particularly in light of findings from a recent inquiry into the bombing that killed 22 people. The inquiry revealed that the attack could have been prevented if MI5 had acted on vital intelligence received prior to the incident.

The families’ letter, which has been reviewed by the BBC, calls for MI5 to be fully integrated into a proposed new law aimed at preventing cover-ups in public life. This initiative, known as the Hillsborough Law or the public office (accountability) bill, seeks to ensure that public officials and contractors provide truthful information in the aftermath of disasters and engage in thorough investigations of organizations involved.

In this tragic event, Salman Abedi detonated a homemade bomb at an Ariana Grande concert, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. His brother, Hashem Abedi, was later convicted for his role in the plot and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 55 years in August 2020.

Financial Compensation for Victims

In December 2022, a ruling was made that nearly £20 million would be distributed to children injured during the bombing. A total of 16 victims, all under the age of 16 at the time of the attack, were awarded amounts ranging from £11.4 million to £2,770. These compensations reflect the severity of their injuries, which include both physical and psychological trauma from the incident.

The inquiry, led by Sir John Saunders, highlighted in March 2023 that MI5’s failure to act on critical intelligence constituted a “significant missed opportunity” to prevent the attack. The report indicated that there was a “realistic possibility” of thwarting the bomb plot had MI5 responded decisively to two pieces of intelligence received in the months leading up to the attack. While the specific nature of this intelligence was not disclosed, the retired High Court judge noted that MI5 would have taken a return from Libya by Abedi seriously had they acted on the information.

Abedi returned from Libya just four days before the bombing, using this time to build the explosive device while evading surveillance. According to Saunders, had MI5 taken stronger action, they could have tracked Abedi to the location where he stored his bomb materials. Just over an hour after returning to the UK, Abedi checked on the vehicle, a Nissan Micra, where he had concealed the explosives. He then went to a rented flat in the city centre, where he constructed the bomb and prepared for the attack.

The families affected by the Manchester Arena bombing are now calling for increased accountability from MI5, emphasizing the need for the agency to regain public trust. As the inquiry continues to unfold, the demand for transparency and justice remains a central issue for those who lost loved ones and for the survivors who bear the scars of that fateful night.